After ten years displaying some of the country’s best vintage cars and warbirds at Wānaka Airport, Wānaka’s Warbirds and Wheels Museum has closed.

Opened in 2011 by Robert and Lynette Duncan, the museum relied heavily on the tourist market which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. That, alongside personal tragedy, meant Lynette made the recent decision to shut its doors.

“I lost my husband in September last year. That was the biggest thing,” Lynette said.

Robert was a vintage car enthusiast and always wanted a place to display his vehicles. 

Lynette said the museum was his passion and it contained vehicles from a number of private collectors and five warbirds, three of which belong to the New Zealand Air Force.

“The Air Force is here now dismantling them to take them back,” Lynette told the Wānaka App.

Lynette said she was sad to let go of the museum but continuing to operate was no longer feasible.

“You just can’t keep going. It’s just really hard and something’s gotta give,” Lynette said. 

In addition to being a well known tourist destination, the Warbirds and Wheels Museum was one of the only venues in Wānaka which could hold large functions.

The 2019 Ignite Wanaka Business Awards were held at the Warbirds and Wheels Museum PHOTO: The Film Crew

“It’s a huge loss to the wider community and to the conference and incentive market. It was one of only three venues which could hold big events,” Ignite Wānaka Chamber of Commerce general manager Naomi Lindsay said.

Lynette said there was interest in leasing the premises and discussions were ongoing.

The Warbirds and Wheels Diner, which is co-located with the museum, will continue operating.

The Warbirds and Wheels Museum closed on September 7, 2021.

PHOTO: Wānaka App