Finishing up with a bang

Photo / APN

An air force C-130 Hercules produced a spectacular finale to Warbirds over Wanaka as it dropped flares in the sky - a strategy effective against heat-seeking missiles.

The show wrapped up yesterday with close to 50,000 spectators visiting over the three days.

Other highlights included Lithuanian aerobatic pilot Jurgis Kairys flying a Sukhoi, racing against Kiwi motorsport legend Greg Murphy in a Lamborghini, and a special World War I commemorative event which featured six fighters from that era dogfighting over Lake Wanaka.

The event is in its 25th year and organisers say it will return next year.