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The twin-engined aircraft was a popular coastal reconnaissance bomber, performing anti-submarine, convoy protection and crew training duties.

About 11,000 were produced between 1935 and 1952 and it may have been one of the first aircraft flown in combat by a New Zealander in World War 2.

Nelson owners Bill and Robyn Reid were delighted the Avro MH-120 aircraft would be flying at Wanaka in the 2014 airshow, after a restoration spanning more than a decade. ''It has basically been about 10 years but it seems to be ongoing. It's been a quarter of my working life,'' Mr Reid said.

He hopes to co-pilot the aircraft at Wanaka for highly experienced display pilot, Dave Phillips.

Mr Reid flew helicopters in the early venison recovery days and with Mrs Reid, built up a successful helicopter business.

They had hoped to have the machine ready for the 2012 Warbirds Over Wanaka event but narrowly missed completing all the paperwork required for it to fly.

The Avro MH-120 operated post-war in Australia as a passenger and freight hauler, and also appeared in a film about an air race, called Half a World Away.

''Once in New Zealand, it was restored to its former military configuration from nearly 70 years ago,'' Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager Mandy Deans said.

The turret and military equipment has been reinstalled and the aircraft has been painted to represent 206 Squadron of the Royal Air Force.

The airshow takes place on April 18, 19, and 20 at Wanaka Airport.