The Gisborne Aviation Museum is a community-led visitor attraction dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich aviation heritage of Gisborne and the wider East Coast region.
More than a collection of historic aircraft
The museum is a living hub where engineering skill, local stories, and national aviation history come together. Visitors of all ages can explore heritage aircraft, examine engines up close, and hear directly from the volunteers who have restored and cared for them.
A unique visitor experience
We offer an immersive blend of aviation heritage, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Our exhibitions highlight:
The pioneering achievements of flight in Tairāwhiti
The technical craft of aircraft engineering and restoration
Local pilots, engineers, and community members who shaped regional aviation.
As an all-weather, family-friendly attraction, the museum provides an engaging experience for school groups, families, aviation enthusiasts, and travellers alike.
Governance: Tairāwhiti Aviation Museum Trust Board (TAMTB)
The Tairāwhiti Aviation Museum Trust Board provides governance, strategic direction, and operational stewardship for the Museum. Its purpose is to:
Gisborne Aviation Preservations Society (GAPS)
One of the Society’s earliest projects was the restoration of the Lockheed Lodestar ZK-BUV, gifted to the city by Fieldair and long known as the airport’s gate guardian. With support from Lotto and local grants, a dedicated hangar was built in 1998, allowing GAPS to relocate and begin preserving the aircraft properly.
Today, GAPS remains the heart of the museum’s restoration work. Their volunteers have transformed retired aircraft into educational assets and engaging displays, bringing engineering and history to life for visitors.
Aviation stories of Tairāwhiti
Together, the TAMTB and GAPS create a unique and immersive aviation experience that:
• Celebrates the region’s aviation pioneers
• Preserves significant aircraft and artefacts
• Connects generations through shared heritage
• Showcases the engineering expertise behind flight.
The museum stands as both a guardian of aviation history and a vibrant community hub in Tairāwhiti, one that inspires pride, fosters learning, and keeps the region’s story of flight alive for future generations.