There's something quite magical about the aircraft of yesteryear. War planes, the first passenger planes, fighter jets from years gone by...it's incredible to think how far we've come from the big, clunky planes that were built so long ago. And it's incredible to get up close and see them for yourself, it makes you wonder what amazing things this machine would have seen in it's lifetime. You can get lost in the "mystery of history" at times like this, and it's a real buzz - today we're giving you the rare opportunity to see some of these mechanical beasts for yourself, up close and personal.

Grab one behind the scenes tour and five-minute flight simulator experience for $10, two for $15 or four for $28 from the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. And, as if the exciting memories weren't enough, you'll also get a 58-page collectable history book too!

The Behind the Scenes tour will give you an insider's view of aircraft restoration projects, including the wooden Airspeed Oxford (flown between 1938 and 1954), the Curtis P-40 Kittyhawk fighter (used in World War Two, 1942 - 1945), and the the Vickers Vildebeest Mk III (flown from 1935 - 1944).

The Mosquito Flight Simulator now has had a major upgrade with redesigned graphics to make your experience more life-like than ever before! You can relive one of World War II's most thrilling aerial raids as you fly the Mosquito over the Norwegian fiords in search of German battleships while sitting in a replica Mosquito cockpit. This fantastic audio-visual experience uses high quality graphics to re-create the experience of a World War Two air raid.

The Air Force Museum holds the national collection of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), and it's role is to preserve and present the history of New Zealand's military aviation through its collection. Entry to the museum is free so after the tour, why not take a walk through the collections and see the most interesting pieces of New Zealand aviation history. 

The Behind the Scenes Tour lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and runs three times a day, seven days a week at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. To make your booking (03) 343 9544, and remember this great deal is valid for public and school holidays!