Birthday Parties
Whakangahau huritau
Our parties are fully-hosted, activity-filled fun! So get ready to zip up your flight suit and jump in a real aircraft, a life raft, or older tamariki can experience a troop patrol exercise. Parents, you are encouraged to join in and keep your camera handy for epic photo opportunities – it’ll be a party to remember!
Birthday parties are hosted on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Parties at the museum are an excellent all weather option for groups of 8-15 tamariki. Book now to secure your preferred date.
The activity component of each party is fully-hosted by a member of our Programmes team and runs for approximately 1 hour. We provide party bags with fun, age-appropriate goodies inside. Following the hosted activity, our cafe team will look after your group if you have booked a catered party.
Air & Sea Adventures
Ages 3-4
Your chance to become air crew under training, learn about parachutes, and how to survive at sea! This is an immersive, multi-sensory experience, designed especially for preschoolers.
Birthday activities include:
- dressing up in flight suits
- dog-tags (name tags)
- parachute games
- climb inside a real life raft, Iroquois helicopter or Andover aircraft!
- rescue ‘supplies’ lost at sea
- great photo opportunities in front of an historic RNZAF aircraft
Air Rescue Party
Ages 5+
Become Air Force disaster relief crew – board the Iroquois helicopter or Andover aircraft and carry out a supply drop!
Birthday activities include:
- dressing up in flight suits
- dog tags (name tags)
- learning to stand at attention, at ease, and salute
- a ‘supply drop’ out of an aircraft
- a target practice game
- great photo opportunities in front of an historic RNZAF aircraft
Cadet Mission Control
Ages 7+
Become cadets under training in mission conditions using our Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopter or an Andover aircraft, develop your aim and throw grenades (water balloons), and learn how to camouflage yourself for the environment!
Birthday activities include:
- Dressing up in flight suits, helmets and parachute packs
- fun with camouflage
- dog-tags (nametags)
- learning to stand at attention, at ease, and salute
- a target practice game
- great photo opportunities in front of an historic RNZAF aircraft
Please note: This party option is very active and noisy. If you have a child who prefers quiet activities, please contact our Visitor Host team to discuss alternative options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
A catered party is $35.00 per child* for a minimum of 8 children. This includes hosted activities and food – our menu options are listed further down this page. A birthday cake is not included, but can be purchased as an add on when booking. You are also welcome to supply your own birthday cake.
A un-catered party is $18.50 per child* for a minimum of 8 children. This cost covers the hosted activities and party bag for each child (no food).
*This pricing is effective from 1 February 2024.
There are younger children (under 3 years of age) attending the party. They won’t take part in the activities, but I’d like them to have a goodie bag and food at the party table. Is this possible?
Yes, please select ‘Additional Birthday Party Menu as an add on during the booking process, you will also be able to add on extra goody bags.
Is there an extra charge for any adults or other children attending (but not involved in) the party?
There is no charge for accompanying parents and other children attending, but not included in the party activities or party table.
Can I self-cater at the café, or in a room in the museum, if I book an un-catered birthday party?
Unfortunately we don’t have self-catering options available at the Air Force Museum.
What happens if I receive a late RSVP (i.e., after I’ve confirmed final numbers), or an extra child turns up the day of the party?
Final numbers should be confirmed 5 working days before the party date. If you receive late RSVPs please let us know via the contact form below and we’ll do our best to accommodate extra party-goers. Additional party food and party bags will be charged for at the standard rate.
Can I pre-order food and drinks from the café for accompanying adults?
During booking, there is the option to order ‘Officer’s Rations’, which is a platter for accompanying adults.
The Café is also open and available for all standard Café purchases when you are here. Any over the counter purchases made on the day of the party need to be paid at the counter, at the time of purchase.
What do I need to do during the party?
You, and any other accompanying adults, can participate, enjoy, and take lots of photographs! Your Visitor Host for the party will take care of most things and lead the children through the activities. Once the activities have finished, the Visitor Host will take the group to Contact Café for food, birthday cake and present opening. Once you are seated at the party table, the Café staff will then facilitate your party needs. All we ask is that you ensure the children are abiding by Museum rules such as using their ‘walking feet’ and ‘inside voices’.
What happens if less than the minimum of 8 children attend, or we aren’t inviting that many children to our child’s party?
We will still run the birthday party for you, however our minimum cost is for 8 children. You will receive all the elements including goodie bags, food and activity resources for 8 children to share out as you wish.
Our Birthday Party Menu Options
You’ll be able to select your menu options during the booking process.
For the children:
AFM Ration Packs:
Option 1. Toasted Sandwich, Lolly Cake, Jet Plane Jelly, Fresh cut fruit, Fries & Drink
Option 2. Crumbed Chicken Tenders, Popcorn, Cupcake, Lollie mixture, Fries & Drink
Option 3. Contact Sausage rolls, Mini Pancakes, Berry Compote, Ice cream, Fries & Drink
Option 4. Cheese Kransky, Fresh cut fruit, Rice crackers and Hummus, Brownie, Fries & Drink (Gluten free)
Option 5. Crumbed Chicken Tenders, Rice Crackers and Hummus, Cut fruit, Chocolate brownie, Fries & Drink
For the adults
AFM Officer Ration Pack:
Antipasto platter for adults which includes a selection of meats, pickle’s breads, and spreads $40 each and is suitable for 5-6 adults
Contact Us
To enquire about booking a party or if you have any questions please click the button below to fill out an enquiry form or phone (03) 347 5220.
