Celebrating 100 years of aviation in Westland.

The Westland District was introduced to the miracle of flight with the arrival of the Blazing Arrow – a biplane that gave joyrides to locals during the Hokitika Exhibition in 1924. Some 10 years later, famous aviator Captain Bert Mercer, established New Zealand’s first licensed commercial airline service offering scheduled services between Hokitika, the glaciers and Haast.

Join us as we celebrate these remarkable milestones that have had a significant impact on the connection of Westland to the world. The celebration will take place on Waitangi Weekend 2024, with a series of events and exhibitions to be hosted in Hokitika.

For full schedule and more information, click here.