In what will be a rare occurrence, New Zealand's only two airworthy Spitfire fighter aircraft will both take to the skies over Wanaka for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow next Easter.

Organisers announced this week that the pair, two of only about 45 airworthy examples worldwide, would attend the biennial show.

One of the Supermarine Spitfires had literally missed the boat and been unable to make the previous Warbirds Over Wanaka International airshow in 2008 after it became the subject of a wrangle between United States customs and defence departments while awaiting shipment to New Zealand.

Auckland-based owner Doug Brooker said yesterday the machine had since arrived and had been flying regularly until it was damaged in a minor mishap near Masterton. Repairs were complete, however, and the two-seater fighter would be back in the air soon and on track for its Wanaka debut.

Mr Brooker, a semi-retired company director, said he would be flying the machine himself. The second machine is the first to be fully restored in New Zealand and is owned by the family of renowned Kiwi fighter pilot Alan Deere. Air Commodore Deere, who was raised in Westport and later Wanganui, was a highly distinguished pilot who served with the RAF for forty years.

His nephew, Brendon Deere from Marton, said the machine's first flight since its five-year long restoration was in March this year.

The Mark IX Spitfire was built in 1944 and served with the Royal Air Force in Italy. The 'AL' on the fuselage has been added to represent the Spitfires flown by his uncle in wartime, he said. The family was excited to be bringing the machine south, he added.

Spitfires flown by the Royal Air Force gained legendary status during WWII for their success as fast and formidable front-line fighters, particularly during the Battle of Britain.

Airshow event manager, Mandy Deans, said organizers were delighted that both the aircraft would attend. "It will be magic to have them both here and will help us bring the past alive in an incredibly authentic way. They really are the epitome of warbird aircraft and we will be very lucky to see them flying here in Wanaka."

The Spitfires will join around 70 other aircraft in what organisers are describing as the biggest International airshow Wanaka has delivered on April 2, 3 and 4 at Wanaka Airport.