The Aviator Flight Plan
It began with jet engines and Italian airframes - now we serve up flight sims, food and fun.
Behind the Controls
​Craig's obsession with aviation took hold long before his time in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, where he worked as an avionics technician on the iconic Italian Aermacchi jets. That early fascination led him to launch the original version of The Aviator at Tauranga Airport - a flight simulator and events centre where people could experience the thrill of flying without ever leaving the ground.
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Fast forward to today, and The Aviator has evolved into something even more special: an aviation-themed destination in Thames where locals and visitors can eat, fly, and celebrate under one roof.
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Craig’s other great obsession? Food. Especially the bold, vibrant flavours of Italy. That passion inspired the launch of our evening Italian restaurant - a place where food is treated with the same precision and respect as flight controls.
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The kitchen is led by two outstanding chefs: Riaan from South Africa and Stephanie from France, who bring international flair to every dish.
We’re also incredibly proud to be mentored by renowned chef and MasterChef NZ judge Simon Gault, who surprised us one day with an unannounced visit, loved the experience, and has since helped shape our menu. Many of our ingredients come straight from Italy through Gault’s Deli, and his endorsement adds serious altitude to what we do.
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Whether you're here to enjoy a mouth-watering lunch, take on a flight mission in our VR simulators, or settle in for a relaxed Italian dinner, our crew is here to make sure your visit is unforgettable.