NewZealandAtoZ reviews; Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum Wigram, Christchurch

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch holds the national collection of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

On a rainy Christchurch day a trip the Air Force Museum was in the plans. Easy to get to in a car (as it is a bit of a trip from the centre of Christchurch) and plenty of parking was a nice way to start the visit.

You walk into the free museum and the planes in the lobby look great, straight away you are into this experience. After a wander around this bright area you walk through an area of history, facts and loads of great information about the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

You then move into the large hanger, which is darker and gives a great atmosphere. There are a number of planes to admire including the mighty Spitfire. I enjoyed having a go at the interactive turret machine gun. After a good look around the hanger we moved upstairs to the horizon Gallery. It tells the story of the Royal New Zealand Air Force from its inception to the current day, while up here you will see a Sopwith Camel (Snoopy flew one of these).

We walked through the horizon gallery to step back in time and experience World War Two on the home front in an authentically recreated 1940’s home.

Upstairs you also find the Mosquito flight simulator, it is pretty good and at $5 for 5 minutes worth a go.

The museum host tours and gives you options for a children’s party.

I was very impressed by the whole experience. Everything was beautifully displayed, the staff were friendly and helpful, the museum was all I expected and more.

If you are at all interested in flight this is a must visit in Christchurch. I would encourage you to make a donation to help them continue the great work if you like what you see.