Events at 9 Jean Batten Drive, Tauranga

About 9 Jean Batten Drive

9 Jean Batten Drive in Tauranga is the street address for Classic Flyers NZ – a unique aviation museum and event space at the entrance to Tauranga Airport (en.wikipedia.org). Housed in purpose-built WWII-style hangars, it’s both a museum of New Zealand aviation and a large function centre. The site spans three adjacent hangars: the first contains the AvGas Café, visitor centre, exhibits and flexible event areas (en.wikipedia.org). The venue was created by local aviation enthusiasts and officially opened on 28 May 2005 with an air show and fly-past (en.wikipedia.org). Today the space can accommodate up to about 500 seated guests or 1,000 people standing cocktail-style (www.sharedspace.co.nz). Its soaring 6-metre exposed-beam roof allows for large-scale lighting rigs and special effects (www.sharedspace.co.nz).

Classic Flyers is notable for its mix of old and new: real warbirds and classic aircraft are displayed alongside modern exhibits, making it a hands-on piece of living history. For example, a de Havilland Heron from the old National Airways fleet is parked outside and is even open for visitors to explore (en.wikipedia.org). The venue’s name – on Jean Batten Drive – highlights its aviation theme: Jean Batten was a legendary Kiwi aviator. Staff, volunteers and pilots see this centre as part museum and part community hub. Since 2005 local volunteers have collected and preserved aircraft and memorabilia, especially gear connected to the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand’s flying history (www.sunlive.co.nz). In fact, the Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust (a local charity formed to run the museum) now attracts about 300 visitors a week and over 120 volunteers, reflecting the strong community passion around Classic Flyers (www.sunlive.co.nz) (www.sunlive.co.nz).

Events and Programming

The hangar at 9 Jean Batten Drive hosts a wide range of events – from family-friendly aviation days to corporate conferences and parties. One of the biggest recurring events is the annual summer “Aero Day” (open-air airshow) in mid-January, featuring warbird and aerobatic flight displays. In January 2024 Classic Flyers held a public open day with a mini-airshow for the community (nzcivair.blogspot.com), and a bigger second annual Aero Day was scheduled for 18 January 2025 (oceaniaaviationinsider.com). On such days local display teams (Harvards, Yaks, Spitfires, Mustangs, even a DC-3) perform flyovers, and visitors can board vintage planes and enjoy static displays (oceaniaaviationinsider.com) (oceaniaaviationinsider.com). Between those special airshow events, the venue regularly hosts organised open days, guided tours and school holiday programs. For example, during winter school holidays the museum opens daily with free family activities like colouring competitions and fire-truck rides for kids (www.whatsontauranga.co.nz).

Apart from these aviation-themed events, the space at 9 Jean Batten Drive functions as a blank-canvas venue for many other activities. The charts and listings show seminars, trade shows and community gatherings frequently using the hangar – everything from IT expos and networking workshops to fitness retreats and tech seminars (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Conferences, product launches and even wedding receptions are common, with onsite catering and staging. A few live-entertainment nights have popped up: for example a “Beat Girls Are Back!” show (2019) and themed parties like a funk-inspired “Hurricane Party”. The venue occasionally hosts dance or DJ nights, but music concerts are not its main focus. More often you’ll find classic-car launches, charity functions and veterans’ reunions (including a 75 Squadron RAF/RNZAF reunion in 2016 (www.eventfinda.co.nz)). Community events like these keep the venue in regular use, and every other year it ties into the Tauranga City Airshow program (www.eventfinda.co.nz). In summary, 9 Jean Batten Drive sees a busy calendar of aviation open-days, school and family events, business expos, and private parties throughout the year.

Tickets and Booking

Visitors can buy tickets online or onsite. General admission to the Classic Flyers museum (at 9 Jean Batten Drive) is around NZ$17.50 for adults and $10 for children (5–15 years old) (www.bookme.co.nz); tots under five are admitted free (www.classicflyersnz.com). Tickets are available at the museum’s gift shop/café entrance on any day, or can be purchased in advance via the Classic Flyers website or ticketing partners. For popular public events (like Aero Day), it’s wise to pre-book, since past years have offered online pre-sales and only limited gate sales on the day (www.classicflyersnz.com). In fact, for the 2025 Aero Day gates opened at 9:30am with “gate sales on the day or pre-purchase” at the venue’s gift shop (www.classicflyersnz.com). If you plan a group visit or a private hire (conference, wedding, etc.), you should arrange that directly with the venue staff. Party planners can contact Classic Flyers well in advance to reserve the space; large-event bookings often include optional menus, staging and AV gear as part of the package. Pricing tiers for events depend on size and date, so check early for group discounts or off-peak rates. Keep in mind that there’s no dedicated box office building – the main day-of tickets counter is simply at the museum entrance by the AvGas Café.

Seating and Layout

The Classic Flyers hangar is a single large open space rather than a theatre with fixed seats. Events are typically set up as general admission. For seated functions (like dinners or seminars), organisers rent chairs and tables on the concrete floor – seating for up to about 500 guests can be arranged (www.sharedspace.co.nz). In cocktail or exhibition mode, up to 1,000 people can circulate freely around the displays. A sturdy 9m×6m movable stage is available for presentations (www.sharedspace.co.nz), which is usually placed at one end of the hangar. Because there are no built-in grandstands, the “best seats” depend on the event layout: in a show or concert format, being closer to the stage (front rows) gives the clearest view, while at exhibitions the perimeter is lined with aircraft so many guests prefer to stand near the exhibits. (Tip: if a stage talk is on, avoid standing right under large aircraft wings or machinery that could block your view.)

Acoustically, the space is a hard-metal hangar, so expect some echo or reverb. The venue has its own professional sound and lighting systems on hand (www.sharedspace.co.nz). Large events use roving speakers and suspended lights from the high rafters – that same 6m-exposed-beam roof means sound hits metal surfaces. In practice, a decent PA is used to keep music and speaker audio clear. If you’re sensitive to noise (especially toddlers), it’s wise to bring earplugs for rock’n’roll nights or open-air flight runs. Other technical features: the hangar provides 3-phase power outlets and rigging points for staging and lights (www.sharedspace.co.nz).

Getting There and Parking

• By car: 9 Jean Batten Drive sits on the northern edge of Tauranga Airport (Mount Maunganui). From Tauranga’s CBD, head east on State Highway 2 towards the airport. Take the Airport Drive exit, then follow signs through the domestic terminal roundabout onto Jean Batten Drive. The venue entrance is clearly signed on your left just past the terminal. Alternatively from Mt Maunganui, take Aerodrome Road (off Maunganui Road) and turn onto Jean Batten at the airport roundabout.
• Parking: Ample free parking is available on-site. The hangar complex includes over 100 car parks right outside (www.sharedspace.co.nz). Simply drive into the lot adjacent to the building – parking is complimentary for all visitors. For very large events, overflow parking may also be found in nearby airport car parks (airline parking) with a short walk. As a general rule, you shouldn’t need to park on the street (in fact, there’s virtually no road parking directly next to the venue).
• Public transport: Bay of Plenty’s bus network (Metlink Baybus) serves Tauranga Airport from downtown Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Routes such as the #50 and #10 operate via the airport terminal, which is about a 5-minute walk from Classic Flyers. (Get off at the Tauranga Airport stop and walk west along Jean Batten Drive.) Check Metlink timetables for current routes and schedules. If in doubt, taxis or rideshares like Uber will drop you right at the entrance on Jean Batten Drive.
• Walking/Cycling: For visitors already at Tauranga Airport, the hangar is just a short stroll from the terminal. Head down Jean Batten Drive past the airport carpark – the museum is immediately adjacent. The area is mostly flat and pedestrian-friendly. There’s no dedicated bike rack publicly listed, but you can likely park a bicycle near the main entrance if needed.

Inside the Venue

On entering 9 Jean Batten Drive you’ll usually pass through the AvGas Café and gift-shop area. The space immediately inside is the hangar floor. For most events, there is a manned reception or table at the door where staff check tickets. If coming for the museum, just pay at the gift shop counter and walk straight in. Security is generally low-key (no formal bag checks on museum days), but for special large events there may be door staff or low-level screening. As a public hangar, the atmosphere feels informal and friendly – many customers mingle among the planes and exhibits.

• Atmosphere: The venue has a genuine “plane hangar” vibe: it’s spacious, industrial and well lit by both overhead lighting and natural light from open doors. On one wall you’ll see classic aircraft propellers and kits. Planes on static display form a backdrop to events. The scene is authentically “Kiwi adventure” – expect engines occasionally being tested, volunteers chatting about aircraft, and a generally busy hangar-hustle feel.
• Food & Drink: The onsite AvGas Café (located by the main entrance) serves coffee, breakfast and cafe-style meals all day (open hours vary but often 8am–3pm). It’s a popular spot for pilots and visitors alike (www.bookme.co.nz). During private events or large public shows, caterers often set up buffets or bar service in the hangar itself. The venue is licensed with a full bar (www.sharedspace.co.nz), so beer, wine and cocktails are available when events permit. Outside caterers can also be arranged by booking managers (the hire package typically includes tableware and bar service as needed (www.sharedspace.co.nz)).
• Facilities: Restrooms are located on the premises (near the café/foyer and again at the back of the hangar). The hangar provides free Wi-Fi for guests (www.sharedspace.co.nz) and mobile coverage is generally good. Coat hooks or drop-zone bins may be available at the coat-check table (if event requires one), but many people simply keep belongings with them since staff keep a casual eye on things. A gift shop is at the front, stocked with aviation models, souvenirs and books. (The gift shop area is connected, so visitors to the museum inevitably pass by this shop.)
• Special features: Unique to this venue is the hands-on nature of exhibits. You may crawl through certain cockpits (if open to public), watch volunteers work on a plane project, or see engine runs. In the museum hangars there’s even a small children’s section (“Torpedo Park”) with aviation-themed play equipment! (www.sunlive.co.nz). It’s common to see families and pilots mingling – the lunchroom near the museum area is often “abuzz” with excited kids and diners enjoying the planes outside (www.sunlive.co.nz). Overall, expect a relaxed, aviation-museum atmosphere rather than a slick corporate drill.

Nearby Amenities

• Dining Options: Besides the on-site AvGas Café, dining is available nearby. Tauranga Airport’s terminal has a small snack bar (open when flights operate). About 5–10 minutes’ drive away on SH2/Beach Road are many cafes and restaurants in Mount Maunganui (seafood bars, fish-and-chip shops, and casual bistros). For a night out, the beachfront area at Mount Maunganui or downtown Tauranga (~15 minutes away by car) offers pubs and bars. Note: there’s no other restaurant within walking distance except the museum cafe, so plan for a short drive if you want more choice before or after an event.
• Hotels and Real Estate: A few motel/hotel options sit along Airport Drive near the runway (e.g. an Airport Campground/motel). The closest major accommodation is on the Mount Maunganui peninsula – all the blue-sky resort hotels on Marine Parade are a short 5–10 minute drive north. Hotels in Tauranga city center are about 10–15 minutes by car. Many visitors attending events here will stay at Tauranga/Mt Maunganui hotels or nearby vacation rentals; shuttle/taxis from those areas are readily available.
• When to Arrive: For events, aim to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before start time. The doors usually open on schedule (e.g. 9:30am for daytime shows). Arriving early ensures you get parking and a good spot – especially on big show days or weekends, when the cafe and hangar can fill up. If attending the museum on a regular day, opening hours tend to be 9am–3pm (summer) or 9am–2pm (winter) – check the Classic Flyers website. Walking in just before closing time is fine, but for a full experience plan 1–2 hours inside to browse all three hangars, the cafe and gift shop.
• Late-Night Transport: Rideshare services (Uber, Ola, etc.) operate in Tauranga. There is no liability to drive to remote parts late. Simply request a pickup at Tauranga Airport (most drivers know it) and your car will be outside on Jean Batten Drive. For late-night events, note that public buses do not run after 8pm; plan a taxi or rideshare home in advance if needed.(Position your pickup by telling the driver “9 Jean Batten Drive, Tauranga Airport”.)

What Makes This Venue Special

Classic Flyers at 9 Jean Batten Drive isn’t just another hall – it’s a living aviation experience with local character. Architecturally it’s unique: the event space is actually a real aircraft hangar, retaining metal rafters, large sliding doors and even engine-jack posts. Visitors often remark on the authenticity – one second you’re sipping coffee under propellers, the next you’re hearing the roar of a vintage engine. The sheer logistics of hosting events under tailfins and wings is a novelty that both event planners and guests remember.

The centre’s history and community roots also stand out. All around the museum you’ll notice volunteers tinkering with planes, sharing stories with guests and keeping aviation history alive. For example, Classic Flyers’ volunteers have recently been reconstructing a golden 1950s De Havilland Vampire jet from spare parts – soon to serve as the gate guardian for the kids’ “Torpedo Park” playground (www.sunlive.co.nz). Such projects (and the fact that over 120 local volunteers keep the place running each week (www.sunlive.co.nz)) give the venue a friendly, down-to-earth vibe that’s hard to find at a conventional event centre.

Culturally, the museum and events here celebrate New Zealand’s aviation heritage. Exhibits focus on Kiwi-built and -flown aircraft, and educational programs encourage youth interest in flying (www.sunlive.co.nz) (www.sunlive.co.nz). It’s the only Bay of Plenty venue where you can see authentic warplanes up close and then literally step into one for a flight lesson or scenic ride. In fact, Classic Flyers partners with local flight providers (like Air Chathams) to offer DC-3 scenic flights from the hangar on show days (oceaniaaviationinsider.com). This blend of static display and real aviation activity is truly special: you might finish a tour of the museum and then board a vintage DC-3 at the tarmac right outside. In short, 9 Jean Batten Drive is special because it turns a visit into an immersive Kiwi aviation adventure, backed by local history and licensed fighters mixed with café treats.

Visitor Tips and Information

This section highlights practical tips to make your trip smoother:

• Accessibility: The venue is largely accessible. The hangar floor is flat concrete, and entrances are at ground level with no stairs. Wheelchair access is generally good (restrooms and café tables accommodate mobility aids). If you require assistance or special access, call ahead to ask staff; volunteers are usually happy to help gir and space. Note that the outdoor exhibits are on grass, which can be a bit uneven for devices.
• Bags and Belongings: There is no strict bag-check policy. You may bring personal backpacks or camera bags inside, but large luggage items or rolling suitcases are not convenient in the crowd. For large events, thieves are extremely rare, but it’s best to always keep handbags and expensive gear on you. There is no formal coat-check, so plan to keep any coats or valuables with you or in your car.
• What to Wear: Dress casually. Sneakers or closed shoes are recommended (heels can slide on concrete). Because the hangar is large and sometimes open to outside air, bring a sweater or light jacket in case it’s cool. On sunny days, parts of the hangar get bright sunshine, so sunglasses are handy. There is no formal dress code, even for evening events; however, if the event is a gala or business function they may specify smart-casual. You can safely assume comfort and layers are best at Classic Flyers.
• Photography: Visitors are welcome to take photos of the exhibits and aircraft (most displays have no objections to photography). For safety, just avoid using flash on sensitive instruments or pointing lasers at planes. Do not climb on aircraft that are roped off – there will be signs. If an event has its own flash-photography or filming restrictions (rare), the organizers will normally announce that at the door.
• Children: This is a very kid-friendly venue, but supervising kids is a must. They’ll love the colourful jets and the "Torpedo Park" play area outside (www.sunlive.co.nz). The kids’ colouring and engine-run activities (during school holidays) are free. Keep in mind that open days can be busy, and some planes have sharp edges, so hold young hands. Strollers can be pushed through wide aisles, but the floor may have small bumps and cracks. The onsite Airgas Café even offers a children’s menu.
• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before event start times. Major events start promptly, and parking (while plentiful) can fill on busy days. If you’re coming late to a concert or speech, be aware that doors often close after start time. For museum visits, arriving earlier gives you more time to walk through all three hangars and use the gift shop. Afternoon shows often become crowded by 1–2pm, so morning or early afternoon is best for families.
• Restrictions: A few common rules apply. Smoking is allowed only in outside designated areas (not inside the hangar or near aircraft). No drones or remote-controlled devices may be flown on site. No pets are allowed (only service animals). Please do not bring any large banners or signage without permission, and avoid blocking exits. These rules are standard for a secure aviation site.
• Weather: All main exhibits and event spaces are indoors, so rain will not cancel your plans. However, some special events (Aero Day, open-air demonstrations) take place outside or on the apron. If attending an airshow day, prepare for sun or wind by wearing hats and sunscreen; conversely, the hangar can be chilly in winter, so bring layers. In windy conditions, some demo flights may be postponed for safety – staff will announce any air display changes.
• Connectivity: There is free Wi-Fi for guests on site. Mobile phone coverage (cellular data) is typically strong in this area. That means you can look up schedules, purchase e-tickets or use navigation apps on the spot. If you need to call a taxi or rideshare, reception is reliable.
• Food and Drinks: Outside food is generally not allowed during private events, but there is an exception for children’s snacks (parents can ask at the cafe). You are welcome to buy and bring food from the AvGas Cafe or other eateries into the hangar areas. Alcoholic drinks may be served at events that are licensed; always drink responsibly. Water fountains are not widely available, so it’s a good idea to carry a bottle of water, especially on long summer days.