South Waikato Model Aero Club
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Useful and interesting links
These are some links which we've found to be useful or interesting.

  • Parkflyers.org.nz **NEW** A great new site for those NZers who who are keen on parkflier models, well worth a visit.

  • RC Model Reviews
    An excellent website filled with reviews, explanations of how RC stuff works and a growing number of "how-to" articles.

NZ Model Shops

  • UAV Aerospace **NEW**
    Primarily a UAV design/manufacturing operation, UAV Aerospace is also the Australiasian distributor for RC-Bearings of the USA. They have a wide range of hi-performance model-engine bearings at very good prices and carry stock in NZ.

  • 436 Model Shop
    In our opinion, this is New Zealand's best online model shop, with competitive prices and service second to none. Order online from a great range of products and your selections will be delivered by overnight courier. This is where many of the SWMAC members buy their model supplies and we've never been disappointed. They are also keen sponsors of local competitions so please return this support by purchasing from them.

  • Model Airworks
    New Zealand agent for Precision Aerobatics.

  • Airsail
    One of NZ's oldest model shops.

  • Galtech Models
    Another NZ online model shop.

  • Top RC Model Ltd
    A huge range of ARFs in stock at amazing prices. This shop has single-handedly changed the face of aeromodelling in NZ. Top RC has also been a generous sponsor of model events held at the SWMAC so please reward them with your custom.

  • Chrissy's RC World **NEW**
    A new site I only bumped into the other day from a Google Ad on RCModelReviews.

Overseas model shops
When you just can't find what you want locally, the internet now makes it easy to buy what you need from overseas. Remember that if you want to be assured of protection under Kiwi consumer laws and if you want continued local support then you really should support local model shops first! However, these are some of the online model stores we use regularly and have found to provide excellent service and value:

  • Radical RC
    Lisa and Dave offer a small but great range of modelling stuff and are el Presidenté's first choice when shopping for transmitter and receiver batteries, servo extensions, switch harnesses, etc. If you shop there, tell them that their Kiwi customer sent you.

  • Big Boys Toys
    Julie will make sure your order is filled quickly and efficiently. If they don't have it in stock, they'll probably be able to get what you need within a few days. This is where many of our club members get their SuperTigre and Saito engines, along with MAS and APC propellors plus a raft of other accessories. Tell Julie that her Kiwi customer sent you too.

  • Hobby City
    The prices here will blow your socks off -- they're *so* cheap. Their freight rates (by mail or EMS couriers) are also very reasonable -- but do try to support your *local* Kiwi model shops too!

  • Tower Hobbies
    If nobody else has it, Tower will. The only problem with Tower is that they're a *big* organisation and so they tend not to ship as fast as the others we've listed here. You'll also probably never deal with the same person twice at Tower and quite frankly, I much prefer the personal service offered by smaller traders. Their freight prices are also a bit steep and inflexible compared to the smaller operators. However, they almost always offer at least $20 off any reasonable sized order so that compensates somewhat -- and sometimes they're the only source for some pretty cool stuff. Don't bother telling them that their Kiwi customer sent you, there are probably thousands of Kiwis who order stuff from them every month :-)

  • PeakModel
    Their home-base is here in NZ (so you're protected by Kiwi consumer laws) but the products are shipped direct from China so they're in the "overseas" category. Some stuff (ASP/Sanye engines and wooden props in particular is quite cheap but watch the freight rate on ARFs!

  • HiModel
    Another online model shop that ships direct out of Hong Kong. Prices are higher than Hobby City but they seem to ship faster and have fewer backorders.

  • DealExtreme
    Not a model shop as such but they have so much cheap stuff that includes some model supplies, LiFePO4 batteries, (toy) helicopters, parkflier receivers, etc. You'll spend *hours* browsing this site and it's all *free* airmail postage to NZ!

Online discussion sites

  • The Profile Brotherhood
    If you're into 3D flying, and profile planes in particular, then this is a great website. The forums also cater for those who 3D their helicopters and foamies.

  • Flying Giants
    Another great place for giant-scale aerobatic and 3D fliers, has forums and a great range of other resources worth browsing.

  • RunRyder
    If you're interested in RC model helicopters then this is a great place to visit.

  • RC Universe
    Another discussion site -- very comprehensive but the forum moderation gets a bit "over the top" sometimes.
Other club websites
  • NZ Jet Modellers Association
    The latest news and pictures from the world of turbine-powered RC Models.

  • Northern Helicopter Modellers Club
    New Zealand's only Model Aero Club dedicated solely to Radio Controlled Model Helicopters

  • The Whangarei Model Aircraft Club
    Welcome to the home page of the Whangarei Model Aircraft club

  • Springhill Aviation Club Inc
    Springhill Aviation Club, operating from Springhill Airstation, a private airstrip in Wayby (just south of Wellsford in the Dome valley). Our club caters for Radio controlled model aircraft, and private operations of light aircraft and microlights

  • Auckland Soar
    Radio Control model soaring club, Auckland.

  • Auckland Indoor Flight Group
    We prefer to be called a group. Not a club. By this we mean we are like minded people, all from different clubs, who get together as a group to fly indoors

  • Tamaki Model Aircraft club
    Welcome to the Tamaki Model Aircraft Club web site. Here you will find out all about TMAC, what the members are flying and building, as well as where and when we get together to fly, talk, and have fun

  • Papakura Manukau Aeromodellers Club inc
    The Club now has approx 140 members and has had a name change to include Manukau

  • Mercury Bay Aero Club
    Sitting right on the airport at Whitianga is the Mercury Bay Model club

  • Thames Model Aero Club
    Home of the Blackfeet flyers

  • Hamilton Model Aero Club Inc
    The Hamilton Model Aero Club (HMAC) is in New Zealand and it consists of approximately 60 modelers, flying radio control, control line and free flight aircraft

  • Matamata Piako Model Aero Club Inc
    A North Island club that flies from Waharoa's full-sized field just outside Matamata.

  • Cambridge Model Aero Club
    The Cambridge Model Aero Club (CMAC) of New Zealand is a local club formed to foster and bring together people interested in the building and flying of all manner of model aircraft.

  • Tauraunga Model Aero Club
    Tauranga Model Aircraft Club situated in the sunny Bay Of Plenty New Zealand has an average of sixty members and has club days every Sunday morning at our strip, situated 18 km's North of Tauranga city.

  • Hawkes Bay Radio Fliers
    Aeromodelling enthusiasts in The Hawke's Bay were encouraged over 50 years ago to form a group to promote the many types of aeromodelling activities available

  • Wairarapa Model Aero Club
    Wairarapa Model Aero Club is a small club who's members share a passion for radio control aeromodelling and meet regularly to fly and talk about the sport

  • Ashhurst Model Flyers
    This is the Home of Ashhurst RC Fliers

  • Palmerston North Aeroneers
    The Palmerston North Aeroneers is a Club which fosters and encourages the building and flying of model aircraft.

  • The Wellington Model Aeroplane Club Inc
    The Wellington Model Aeroplane Club (Inc.) is a club that encourages and fosters the building and flying of model aircraft

  • Wellington Radio Fliers
    The Wellington Radio Fliers is a club affiliated to the NZMAA and whose members are dedicated to the building and flying of RC model aircraft.

  • The Woodbourne Model Aero Club
    Welcome to The Woodbourne Model Aero Club Pages Blenheim New Zealand Our flying site is at Bankhouse

  • Christchurch Model Aero Club
    A Model Aircraft Club situated a few km's outside of Christchurch (New Zealand) catering for all types and sizes of model planes

  • Christchurch Radio Fliers Club
    The Christchurch Radio Fliers Club (CRFC) is a group of people from all walks of life and ages (ranging from 17 to 70 something)

  • Christchurch Soar

  • Kaiapoi Model Aero Club Inc
    Kaiapoi MAC is based near Oxford just North of Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand. Come and check out our great model flying facilities, based at Boundary Road

  • Dunedin Model Aero Club
    Hello and welcome to the new DUNEDIN MODEL AERO CLUB website

  • The NZMAA
    This is the website of the national body set up to govern model aircraft flying in New Zealand. You'll also find lots of information about the hobby here, including the addresses of many other clubs, RC frequencies, etc.