Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Venue Info
Venue Info
The Air Force Museum is an awe-inspiring setting, where history blends seamlessly with modern-day comforts, making it the perfect place to visit or attend an event.
Located just 15 minutes from central Christchurch, the Museum is surrounded by the historic Wigram Air Force Base. We are proud to exclusively manage events in theThérèse Angelo Wing and Aircraft Hall, on behalf of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.
Admission to the Museum is free Monday to Sundays, from 9.30am to 4.30pm. To find out more see below or visit the Museum website.
Getting here
Arriving at the Air Force Museum brings a unique sense of history and anticipation.
Getting here
Arriving at the Air Force Museum brings a unique sense of history and anticipation.
By Car
There is a large complimentary car park on site, however space is subject to availability. Depending on the size of the event, an overflow car park may be opened in the field next to the main car park, with signage and hosts helping to direct you.
Pedestrians
Pedestrian access is available from all points of entry. For your safety and the safety of others, please stay on footpaths and the side of roads.
By Bus
The Metrostar, 5 Hornby, and 81 Lincoln, buses travel down Main South Road. Hop off at the stop when you see the orange and silver Harvard aircraft. You will then need to walk five minutes down Harvard Ave, and the Air Force Museum is then located on your left, approximately 350m from the corner of Main South Road. Visit the Metro website for timetables and more information.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis and Rideshares are welcome to drop you off in the Air Force Museum car park. If you require a taxi pick-up post event we recommend you book this well in advance to avoid a long wait.
Check for Updates
If you are attending an event at the Air Force Museum, allow plenty of time to get to and from the venue, aiming to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the event. Traffic can be heavy on the main arterial routes especially during peak traffic.
Be Considerate
No matter how you make you way to or from the venue, please keep noise to a minimum when arriving or departing, out of respect to the families who live nearby.
Accessibility
We’re committed to making every visit to the Christchurch Town Hall inclusive and comfortable.
Accessibility
We’re committed to making every visit to the Christchurch Town Hall inclusive and comfortable.
Wheelchair seating & accessibility
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The Air Force Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Smooth flooring throughout the museum and wide pathways ensure ease of movement between exhibitions and aircraft displays.
- Wheelchair seating areas are available for presentations, events, and educational sessions.
- Mobile exhibits or temporary displays may affect wheelchair space — please contact us ahead of time if you require specific arrangements.
How to arrange accessible entry
Entry to the museum is free, and accessible arrangements can be organised by contacting our Visitor Experience team.
Accessible seating for events must be requested in advance.
Essential companions
Visitors with accessibility needs may bring an essential companion or support person.
Companion arrangements for special programmes or events can be discussed with our staff.
Wheelchair hire
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for visitor use free of charge.
To reserve a wheelchair ahead of your visit, please contact the museum at:
info@airforcemuseum.co.nz or phone our Visitor Experience desk.
Lift access
Lift access is available to the museum’s upper-level galleries, research areas, and mezzanine spaces.
All primary exhibition halls are located on the ground floor for easy access.
Support animals
Support animals are welcome at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other registered assistance animals trained to support visitors with disabilities. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit:
Identification
Support animals should be identifiable when possible (e.g., vest, harness, or ID tag).
Control
They must remain under your supervision and behave appropriately in busy environments with families, school groups, and large exhibits.
Space Considerations
Some galleries can become busy or feature large aircraft and moving exhibits. If you require more space or a quieter area for your support animal, our staff will be happy to help.
Water
Water bowls can be provided on request—simply ask one of our team members.
Relief Areas
While there is no designated relief area inside the museum, staff can direct you to the nearest appropriate outdoor location. Re-entry is permitted with staff acknowledgment.
If you have questions about bringing a support animal to the museum, we encourage you to contact us before your visit so we can help plan your experience.
Accessible transport
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is accessible by both private vehicle and public transport options.
- Bus routes operate nearby, with footpath access leading to the main entrance.
- Additional guidance on transport options is available through local Metro journey planning services.
Accessible parking & drop-off
Accessible parking is available close to the museum entrance.
- Mobility parking spaces are located directly outside the main entrance
- A visitor drop-off zone is available for cars, taxis, and mobility vehicles
- Additional public parking is available in adjacent car parks
Accessible bathrooms
Accessible toilets can be found in two ground floor locations:
- Main entrance foyer
- Aircraft Hall
Sunflower lanyard
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
Visitors wearing the Sunflower lanyard may need additional support, extra time, or quiet assistance, and our team is trained to help.
Ticketing & visitor desk
Entry to the Air Force Museum is free for all visitors.
The Visitor Desk, located in the main foyer, is fully accessible and staffed by team members ready to assist with accessibility needs, exhibition information, or support services.
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CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
To help ensure a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all visitors, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand has a set of conditions of entry that everyone is expected to follow.
Make sure you are set for a smooth entry and great experience. Come prepared with your ticket, valid ID if purchasing alcohol, and a small bag if necessary-keep it minimal for security checks. Leave large bags, commercial food, umbrellas and pro gear at home.
Please note while we endeavour to communicate as much as possible, promoters and event operators may amend these conditions at short or no notice for reasons of safety and security.
Dress Code
All persons entering Air Force Museum must be appropriately dressed. The right of admittance is reserved to the Venues Ōtautahi team, and decision will be final.
In particular no person will be permitted entry to the Museum with:
- Bare feet
- Clothing containing offensive messages
- Gang patches
- Inappropriate costume
Behaviour
- Patrons may be refused entry to or asked to leave the Museum if they:
- Are not in possession of a valid ticket or pass
- Are the subject of a current trespass order
- Are found to have prohibited items
- Appear intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Behave in a disorderly or offensive manner
- Refuse to undergo a breathalyser test
- Fail to comply with security/staff requests, including submission to a search
- Are carrying out illegal or unauthorised activities.
Age Restrictions
Anyone aged 13 or under needs to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Permitted Items
Personal compact cameras and phone cameras
Prohibited Items
- Food & beverage
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Flasks / Thermos
- Animals (except guide or hearing dogs)
- Chairs/Stools/Furniture
- Offensive signs or banners
- Whistles / Musical instruments / Air horns / Vuvuzelas
- Selfie sticks/ Flares / Fireworks / Laser lights
- Dangerous goods / Weapons / anything that looks like a weapon
- Gang patches
- All commercial/professional grade recording devices, such as video cameras and DSLR/SLR cameras with detachable lenses.
Venue map
Venue map
The map below highlights key entrances and access paths to help you plan your visit with ease.
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Our spaces
Our spaces
From elegant galas to high-impact conferences and curated performances, the Air Force Museum provides adaptable spaces with a unique sense of history.
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The Thérèse Angelo Wing is luxuriously spacious and the perfect option for trade exhibitions, conferences, community events, large gala dinners, and more.
Flexible and expansive, this contemporary space can be easily configured to meet your event's unique requirements, with a total floor area of 1440m2.
Cocktail
1000
Banquet
740
Theatre
1000
Cabaret
592
The Thérèse Angelo Wing is luxuriously spacious and the perfect option for trade exhibitions, conferences, community events, large gala dinners, and more.
Flexible and expansive, this contemporary space can be easily configured to meet your event's unique requirements, with a total floor area of 1440m2.
Cocktail
1000
Banquet
740
Theatre
1000
Cabaret
592
Business Event Menus
Business Event Menus
Venues Ōtautahi brings you thoughtfully curated food and beverage experiences, showcasing the best of local flavours.
Planning an event?
Check out our menus for options of how to elevate your next event or get in touch with our team.
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Health and Safety
We take our health and safety responsibilities very seriously, and with new legislations in play we've taken extra care to ensure you have everything covered ahead of your next event.
Check out our Health and Safety resources today to ensure you know where our responsibilities merge with yours.
Whether you're planning a concert, conference, gala dinner or something else we are here to ensure your guests have an amazing time, and also a safe one.
Faq
Got questions? We’ve answered common ones to help you plan your visit.
Faq
Got questions? We’ve answered common ones to help you plan your visit.
What to bring
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The Christchurch Town Hall is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair allocated seating in both the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium and James Hay Theatre.
James Hay Theatre:
There are three wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Auditorium:
There are eight wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Accessibility info
The Christchurch Town Hall is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair allocated seating in both the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium and James Hay Theatre.
James Hay Theatre:
There are three wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Auditorium:
There are eight wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Security
The Christchurch Town Hall is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair allocated seating in both the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium and James Hay Theatre.
James Hay Theatre:
There are three wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Auditorium:
There are eight wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Camera policy
The Christchurch Town Hall is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair allocated seating in both the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium and James Hay Theatre.
James Hay Theatre:
There are three wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Auditorium:
There are eight wheelchair spaces with companion seating.