This image captures a moment in April 1945 at Mechanics Bay in Auckland, New Zealand, featuring several Short Sunderland and Short Sandringham flying boats.

The aircraft were operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and later by the New Zealand National Airways Corporation for transport and passenger services.
The Short Sunderland was a military long-range maritime reconnaissance flying boat widely used during the Second World War.
The Short Sandringham was a civilian version of the military Sunderland.
The aircraft operated from bases including Hobsonville, Auckland, and Lauthala Bay, Fiji, from the 1940s to the 1960s.
One of the remaining Sunderlands is now a significant artifact of New Zealand’s aviation history.

Help Restore the Sunderland V NZ4115 – GivealittleThe Sunderland V is an artefact of national and international significance and is part of New Zealand’s Military Aviation History.Givealittle
Short Sunderland in New Zealand service – WikipediaThe Short Sunderland was developed as a long range maritime reconnaissance flying boat and was widely used during the Second World…Wikipedia
Wings of desire | New Zealand GeographicIt was the Sandringham, a civilian version of the military Sunderlands used by the RNZAF and by 1947 already, in the puffery of Sh…New Zealand Geographic
Show all