There is nothing quite like the added bonus of a free Airshow at your park up. That is exactly what we got to experience today while staying at Ardmore Airport in South Auckland. The Motor Caravan Association has a park up here that allows us to park for two weeks while we are waiting for our friends in their caravan to arrive to head north with. Yip, hooray - finally some travelling companions - we LOVE company! And where better to head than to Northland and the Far North.
We need some advice on where to go up there though, so send it on through. The last time we were up there was a good 13 years ago on our honeymoon - and I assure you things are quite different nowadays...like 4 kids different...so need some super family friendly advice of where to go, who to see and what to do there...
...But back to the airshow. It was an open day for the NZ Warbirds who have a Visitor Centre, a working museum, library and operational hanger here at Ardmore. Apparently Ardmore Airport was a training aerodrome during the second world war so we discovered.
We managed to snap some super fun pics of the fighter jets (my favourite) only to have the cyber monster raise its ugly head when importing them and eat 'em all up for dinner, gah! First time we had that happen. So sadly we don't have those to share but we do have some of the formation flying that was performed.
Now, think deck chairs outside the bus under the shade awning, lovley glass of apple cider, warm sunshine and you'll have the pic in mind of how, we had it , (it should have been) with the viewing 'round here. Reality - grumpy tired kids (too late to bed night before), each taking turns to meltdown regarding...well pretty much anything really...resulting in overstretched paitence of all bigger people, *sigh*, yup one of those days.
(There were snippets of the apple cider moments though).
Aside from all of that, the show was AMAZING. Such talented pilots performing incredible stunts - apparently the Acrobat (the kids particular favourite) pilot was 69 years old. That's just cool!
Amongst other things there was the Re-Enactment Society there kitted out with not a detail missed (and they sure take it seriously!) and a passionate World War 1&2 knife/sword, uniform and gun collector showing some of his collection. All I can say is, sure glad we ain't having to sleep in his house - his wife said it takes up a whole spare room - yikes!. Think we'll stick with sleeping here tonight! The Warbirds is open to the public so if you happen to be an aviation enthusiast or like us, just like stuff that's got wings, is noisey and does cool tricks, we recommend you defiantely check it out.
"so need some super family friendly advice of where to go, who to see and what to do there...". Drop us your comment below with your best advice for Northland and the Far North.