What are the opening hours?

Thursday 10am - 3pm Friday 10am - 3pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday 10am - 3pm

The Aviator Experience

Name: The Aviator Experience
Address: 705 Pollen Street, Thames, NZ
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

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The Aviator Experience

Where everyone can be a fighter pilot. Find us now at 705 Pollen Street, Thames, NZ Planning a special event? We can host up to 30 guests, fully catered.
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Whether you're just after a coffee or you want to fly a Spitfire, there's something for everyone at The Aviator Experience. After a coffee and delicious brunch, try flying a Spitfire like Grandad did in WWII, or if you're a Top Gun fan, get into the cockpit of an F-14 Tomcat and have a go at landing on a carrier deck. Bring a group of friends and take each other down or try some formation flying -

both are harder than you think! Get in touch if you'd like to find out more about what we do or if you'd like a test flight before booking a session or event.

17/10/2024

Donated by Thames local Mr Cooper (we like to say on loan) to the Aviator yesterday was this stunning P8 Spitfire / Hurricane compass in original box with strap.

Note the date stamps where it’s been put into service (86 years ago).

If you have anything you would like to donate / loan to us, please note that we are predominantly looking for military aviation items from WWII onwards for our future plans here in Thames.

Thank you Mr Cooper, like so many others in the area, your support of our little business is appreciated.

14/10/2024

Hello Aviators, We now have a selection of Tip Top Trumpets and Kapiti Chocolate Sundaes in store for those of you just wanting something cooler than the carrot cake or brownie.

Also, if you keen and haven't done so recently, we would love it if you would be willing to write us a review on Google on our food, service and simulators (we appreciate every little bit of marketing we can get for our small unique business).

https://g.page/r/Ca34aBystmKCEAE/review

Thanks in advance and yes I've been told that summer is coming !

10/10/2024

We meet so many interesting and awesome people here and we can add USN LCDR (Retired) Michael Billman (call signCOOTER).

750 hrs in the F-18C Legacy Hornet
2400 hrs in the T-45 Goshawk
175 carrier traps

A pleasure to meet you sir, thank you for visiting Thames, The Aviator and NZ.

03/10/2024

#38 Welcome to the Club Matt Robinson :)

03/10/2024

With the weather slowly turning warmer, who doesn’t love a good Gin & Tonic, a Cider, a Craft Beer or Lager?

And it’s almost the full range of Good George Gins available at The Aviator along with an almost full selection of Good George craft beers and ciders.

03/10/2024

Sorry if you have tried to call today, we are having phone issues - What's going on One New Zealand?

28/09/2024

If you can guess this aircraft without using Google, you win jet plane lollies and a sticker.

* I can cruise at 278 knots
* My max level speed is 316 knots
* Service ceiling is 32,000ft

What am I?

P.s. there are no stickers or jet plane lollies left :P

27/09/2024

An aircraft that is hardly ever spoken about or seen. What am I?

* First flown in May 1942 with a crew of 3
* The C variant had two Pratt and Whitney R-2800-57 engines producing 2800HP each.
* Max speed was 430mph at 30,000ft
* As a night fighter it had a radar in the nose that had a range of just 5nm

Whilst none are flying today there is one in restoration so we can hopefully see this incredible aircraft in the skies one day.

25/09/2024

Our new front of house flight attendant starts tomorrow and will be nervous so please remember to be patient as Nicky learns the ropes.

Also don’t forget that Thursday and Fridays from 10am till 11am (1 hour only), is coffee HAPPY HOUR where all LARGE coffees are just $4

Nb: photo is not of Nicky, just for effect 🙂

24/09/2024

Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our junior barista Nids (Linda on her flight suit) today as she heads home to Laos.

Nids was well liked by all our staff and customers and was such a fun employee. She will be missed but she leaves NZ to go see her family back home and hopefully a great career in tourism.

We do have a new junior barista starting this week so come on in to find out who it is 🙂

20/09/2024

Looking for something different for your work Xmas party this year?

* Would you like to know who your Top Gun is?
* Are you Maverick, Iceman or Goose?

The Aviator Experience in Thames is an all weather, indoor event, eatery and fully licensed bar for the ULTIMATE Christmas party.

The perfect event space for teams up to 45 people.

Enquire now as limited dates and times available.

18/09/2024

$4 Large Coffee
Every Thursday and Friday
from 10am till 11am

14/09/2024

Today 15th September is Battle of Britain Day. This is the official memorial day that recognizes the July - Oct 1940 action between the might of the German Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force.

This victory was made possible by the hard work and determination of 'The Many', to the courage and sacrifice of 'The Few' - of the 2,945 RAF aircrew who faced the Luftwaffe from July to October 1940, 544 died in those 4 months along with 312 personal on the ground.

One of those "many' was Sir Keith Park who was born here in Thames, NZ and was instrumental in the defense of the UK.

We must never forget, otherwise the lessons learned will be forgotten, and the sacrifices would have all been for nothing.

13/09/2024

And just like that we have a new top gun at the head of the Fight Club leader board.
It was a great 1v1 fight between Tony Howse and his son Matt (who’s been top gun for nearly 2 months).

Well fought guys but…… there can be only one

12/09/2024

For aviation lovers there is almost nothing like the smell of burnt Jet Fuel

But now there is, the taste of our very own Jet Fuel Lager.

Along with the full collection of Good George IPA’s and Ciders, why not try our Jet A1 Lager only at The Aviator Thames.

08/09/2024

We just want to thank all our customers this weekend (and every other weekend) for stopping in and checking us out. Some have become great regulars and we enjoy making connections with you all. This weekend whilst very busy was a blast, so many awesome people out there.

A big shout out to our team also, our Chef Brad, Maria and Brydie our Barrista's, Anita and Nids our all rounders.

Thank you
The Aviator Team

05/09/2024

We are hiring!

Summer is on it's way (yes it is) and our first position is for a casual kitchen hand available starting immediately.

Hours are Thursday to Sunday from 9am till 3pm plus events from time to time and more hours over summer.

The most important attribute we are looking for is hard working as we are a small team that is growing. You are willing to jump in and help where needed.

So if you want to work for a fun team and a business that loves to look after it's staff and customers equally, then reach out today.

There are lots of perks to working for The Aviator, including:

* Good pay
* Meal every shift over 4 hours
* Unlimited staff coffee
* Military Flight Simulators
* Training

For full details, register your interest by PM.

03/09/2024

You asked for it, we are delivering it. Starting this weekend we will have The Aviator Big Breakfast on the menu and we are opening on Saturdays at 9am for the entire summer.

Aviator Big Breakfast

* 2 x Potato Rosti
* 2 x Kransky Sausages
* 2 x Bacon
* 2 x Grilled Tomatoes
* 2 x Eggs Your Way (poached is my favourite)
* Toasted Ciabatta Bread and Butter
* Spinach
* MUSHROOMS
* Relish

Now is there anything you would add?

NB: Not our photo, just for effect :)

31/08/2024

Customer satisfaction: mission accomplished! 😁

30/08/2024

We know how hard life is right now for a lot of people, which is why as a company we do everything we can to keep our food, coffee and simulators affordable without sacrificing quality.

So EVERY Thursday and Friday from 10am till 11am our coffees are on special from now till the end of the year.

Large (double shot) Coffee is $4.oo
Medium(double shot) Coffee is $3.5o
Small (double shot) Coffee is $3.oo

** milk alternatives and flavour shots extra

We will never say we have the best coffee or food, as our customers will decide that.

25/08/2024

The TSR-2 (Tactical Strike and Recon, MACH 2), with it's skinny sleek lines and gangly main undercarriage, surely this would have to be one of the most "stunning" aircraft that didn't make it into production.

The TSR-2 was to be a Cold War Strategic Strike and Reconnaissance aircraft that was to replace the English Electric Canberra.

Interestingly, BAC was formed when the Bristol Aeroplane Company, English Electric Company, Vickers-Armstrongs Limited and Hunting Aircraft were combined in 1960. Their first major project was the development of the TSR-2 with the following requirements:

* Delivery of tactical nuclear weapons at low level in all weathers, by day and night
* Photo-reconnaissance at medium level (day) and low level (day and night)
* Electronic reconnaissance in all weathers
* Delivery of tactical nuclear weapons day and night at medium altitudes using blind bombing if necessary
* Delivery of conventional bombs and rockets

XR219 as seen in the photos, was the only one flown with it's maiden test flight on the 27th September 1964.

With almost cruel irony, the TSR-2 was cancelled by the UK Government on the 1st April 1965 in favour of an order for 50 F-111K's which later was also cancelled due to cost overuns etc.

Such an incredible shame, once again because of political interference and this you could argue (for hours or days) was the start of the downfall for british aerospace.

20/08/2024

Woohoo, it's nearly Fathers Day, and Dad's all around NZ don't want another pair of socks, what they want is an amazing experience, something they can do with you or on their own.

So why not an Aviator Gift Card or Voucher where Dad can use it to fly a fast jet, a helicopter or a WWII fighter.

Then afterwards, enjoy great coffee, brunch or lunch and even a beer (fully licensed).

The Aviator Experience is NZ's premium daddy day care centre, located in Thames, NZ.

Buy Dad an Experience, not stuff, he will love you for it.

https://www.theaviator.co.nz/fathers-day-gifts

18/08/2024

This is Matt, call sign “Quick Silver”, currently the youngest member of the Aviator FIGHTCLUB. He just knocked his Dad, Tony “Gibson” Howse of the top of the leaderboard.

Well done Matt, show those old bas….ds how to do it.

FIGHTCLUB members have exclusive nights and cheaper hourly rates (33% off) and enjoy the comradeship of fellow military aviation enthusiasts.

PM today if interested in joining.

14/08/2024

One of my favorite WWII aircraft is the FW-190 A8/N with that short bulbous nose.

* Original designed in the late1930's the A-8 version entered into production in Feb 1944
* The A-8 was powered by the BMW 801 14 Cylinder Radial Engine with approx. 1670 hp
* It was nicknamed Würger (Shrike)
* First operational flight of an FW190 was over France in August 1941
* It was superior to the Spitfire Mk V until the Mk IX came out
* It was poor above 20,000ft due to a lack of a supercharger
* Rate of Climb was an impressive 3000ft / min
* Armament consisted of two 13mm guns above the engine and four 20mm canons in the wings
* Total variants produced was approx. 23,823

What is your favourite WWII aircraft?

12/08/2024

So, do you have what it takes to land a "Fling Wing" onto the back of a rolling and heaving frigate in rough seas with 34 knot head winds, bad weather (raining) with no wind screen wipers?

Frigates doing 15 knots, so what's your airspeed?

Come try it out at The Aviator Experience if you have fortitude :)

09/08/2024

47,000 views - Thank you
Popped my Go Pro in the A-37 DragonFly (Tweety Bird) operating from sunny Tauranga, NZ back about 10 years ago with the amazing (and humble) Dave Phillips at the controls. Love watching Dave on the controls, so smooth, always trimming and looking out.

* Two General Electric J85-17A 2,850 lbs (1293kg) Axial Flow turbojets
* 577 DragonFlys were produced
* Designed in 1952
* Ceiling was 41,000ft
* VNE was 420knots
* Range was 1600km's

Cessna A37 Dragonfly flown around the sunny Bay of Plenty, NZ by the brilliant (and unassuming) Dave Phillips.Passenger - Popa WhiteMusic by the Beatles (jus...

06/08/2024

It's nearly 23 years since the RNZAF had a combat air wing (A-4K and MB339CB) and given the state of the planet today, what would be your choice of a brand new strike wing if we could magically push a button and make it happen (ignore the logistics and personal requirements).

What would you choose and why?

* F-18F / G Hornet
* F-16 Block 70/72 Falcon
* F-15 EX Eagle
* Saab JAS 39 Gripon E
* Dassault Rafael C

or something else?

Address

705 Pollen Street
Thames

Opening Hours

Thursday	10am - 3pm
Friday	10am - 3pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm
Sunday	10am - 3pm

Website

http://www.theaviator.co.nz/

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Videos

Looking for something different for your work Xmas party this year? * Would you like to know who your Top Gun is? * Are you Maverick, Iceman or Goose? The Aviator Experience in Thames is an all weather, indoor event, eatery and fully licensed bar for the ULTIMATE Christmas party. The perfect event space for teams up to 45 people. Enquire now as limited dates and times available.

Don’t touch my feet

Who’s your favourite Aviator pet? Echo the Magpie or Gilbert the Softy?

Best Mates

Here we have Echo again, our very own Squawking Magpie with her two best friends, Piper and Mr. Gilbert. Who do you think is the boss? And yes, we do love black and white.

First Flight and Echo

This is Echo, our family magpie who wants to let everyone know that you can now enjoy the "First Flight" range of wines at The Aviator Cafe & Bar Thames. These awesome wines are from Squawking Magpie in the Hawkes Bay and our current selection includes: * Syrah * Chardonnay * Cabinet Sauvignon Malbec Echo is our rescued magpie who has free range of our property and just loves to interact with other pets and people (more on echo soon) Squawking Magpie Wines #ThamesCoromandel

Lorraine, Lorraine, Lorraine - thank you for flying with us today, you are world famous now, made everyone in the place look at you 🙂

What is Fight Club? It's where people who love military aviation can hang out, talk lots of rubbish about how good they are at flying warbirds such as the P-51 Mustang, Mk IX Spitfire, BF-109 and even fast jets such as the F-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat and F-16 Falcon. Fight Club Nights include: * Air to Air Combat - Everyone for themselves * Air to Air Combat - Three vs Three * Air to Air Combat - 1 v 1 Leaderboard Challenges * Air to Ground Bombing Challenges * Formation Flying * Carrier Landing Operations Do you have what it takes? (which isn't a lot if we are being honest about ourselves lol) Membership Fees Apply Must be 18+ (youth fight club is coming soon)

Toasted sandwiches can be a culinary delight, offering a perfect combination of crispy bread and gooey fillings. Whether it's a classic grilled cheese with melty cheddar or a gourmet creation with artisanal ingredients, there's something universally comforting about biting into a warm, toasty sandwich. And the Smoked Chicken with Camembert, Spinach, Onion, Pesto and Cheese between two large cut pieces of Ciabatta bread is one of the favourites at the moment. Gourmet Toasties $15 or $20 as a combo with a LARGE coffee Great Food & Coffee | Great Sims | Great Service and Affordable The Aviator 705 Pollen Street, Thames NZ Thur to Sun 9am - 4pm Why pay more than you need to!

When you ask for a large coffee, you expect a large coffee. So at The Aviator, we strongly believe in delivering great hot drinks at affordable prices. Not only that, it has to taste great as well, which is why we use Sou'Wester Beans from Halo Coffee. It's laid back and uncomplicated with a hint of caramel, it’s just the thing for your everyday coffee fix. Why pay more than you have to for a quality coffee. The Aviator Experience, 705 Pollen Street, Thames, NZ. Thurs to Sunday 9am till 4pm (winter hours) Great Food & Coffee | Great Sims | Great Service | Affordable

Fight Club Open Night

It’s red alert at The Aviator with everyone in mustangs for this round, spitfires next followed up by some 1 v 1’s. Who knew Thames had a red light district huh 🤔 :)

The Aviator Experience, 705 Pollen Street, Thames, NZ The home of the $5 coffee and great gourmet toasted sandwiches... Oh and amazing military flight simulators. #thecoromandel #paeroa #explorethamesnz #destinationcoromandel #waihi #waihibeach #thames

** SALE ** This is the one you have all been waiting for. This will be the only sale we have until the end of the year so don't miss out! 20% off means all 60 min vouchers are just $60, an amazing price for an amazing experience. Ideal as birthday gifts, just rewarding the better half or kids when they have done something awesome (this includes parents too). Whilst the vouchers may say 12 months expiry, we have never cared so grab a few today and use them for months and years to come. Sale Ends end of May 2024

We love screamers

Who doesn’t love a screamer :)

NZ's only military flight simulator company based in Thames is now open for coffee and food. * Large Coffee (and we mean large) is $6 * Medium Coffee is $5 * Small Coffee is $4 Six high end (VR) simulators for maximum fun. Open for group and individual bookings.

FREE COFFEE! - To help celebrate the opening of coffee and snacks at the Aviator today, we are offering FREE COFFEE with any our Classic or Gourmet Toasted Sandwiches TODAY only! * Classic Toasties are just $8 * Gourmet Toasties are just $15 Yep, a coffee and toastie for either $8 or $15 Open from 9am till 4:00pm Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun (plus afterhours for events). Get into it!

Are you a senior professional Barista looking for a new lease / start in life? Look no further, we are currently adding to our team and looking for a senior, professional barista for our new Aviator Thames Eatery and Event Space. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 8:30am till 4:00pm with some afterhours events (plenty of work if you want it) Benefits: Free meals and drinks plus a bonus scheme Permanent Role: $28-$32 / hour depending on experience. Start Date: 12th April 2024 Some event management skills and a duty managers certificate would be beneficial but not essential. Please contact us asap if you are interested.

Shortcuts

Fighter Pilots Wanted!

Do you have the skill to take on a MiG-29 from the cockpit of an F-18 Hornet?

Probably not unless you’ve been in the US Air Force, but you will after you’ve been to see us!

Our ultra realistic VR Flight Simulators give you the most incredible flying experience outside of a real aircraft you can have. Climb into your cockpit, strap in, and take the controls of a Spitfire, Mustang, F-14 Tomcat, F-18 Hornet or other aircraft of your choice.

Dogfight your mates, try an aircraft carrier landing, or simply fly around and look at the stunning scenery. There are no slow Jumbo’s or Cessna’s in our hanger, just fast and furious Military Warbirds to really get your adrenaline pumping.