New Zealand
Cessna 180/185 Group
"THERE ARE SOME THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE BETTER THAN A CESSNA 180/185 BUT THEY ARE FEW AND HARD TO FIND"
President's Welcome
Welcome to the New Zealand Cessna 180/185 Group Website
For over 70 years, the Cessna 180 has graced New Zealand skies. Its younger sibling, the Cessna 185, has been flying since the early 1960’s. Today, we collectively refer to the 180 and 185 series as the Skywagon.
The Skywagon has played a significant role in New Zealand’s aviation history. These aircraft have operated as land planes, floatplanes, and ski planes—serving industries in tourism, agriculture, and cargo, including mail and livestock transport—as well as as private aircraft for recreation and travel.
New Zealanders are known for their “can-do” approach. The Cessna 180 was modified for crop dusting—innovations that were later applied to the 185. In fact, Cessna eventually released a 185 variant for the agricultural market, long after New Zealand had already pioneered the concept. New Zealand was also the first country to approve dual-use configurations, allowing the Skywagon to operate on both skis and wheels. As early as the 1960s, modifications enabled Mt Cook Ski Planes to fly from both sealed runways and glaciers.
Today, in New Zealand’s commercial aviation landscape, helicopters have largely replaced fixed-wing aircraft in the backcountry. Larger, more comfortable planes now dominate the tourism sector, and turbine-powered aircraft are commonly used for skydiving and crop dusting. It takes three different aircraft types to perform the roles the Skywagon once did alone. Of course, every aircraft has its compromises, but imagine a day for a Skywagon: a morning drop-off at a remote airstrip, a few hours of crop dusting, a skydive run, a scenic flight—and finally, the pilot loads up their family and flies off for a weekend visit to the in-laws. All in a day's work for a Skywagon.
Although production ceased in 1985, Skywagons are growing in number in New Zealand as passionate owners import and restore these aircraft to their former glory.
The New Zealand Cessna 180/185 Group’s mission is to provide opportunities for owners, operators, past owners, and enthusiasts to connect regularly and explore the environments these aircraft were made for. The stories we share during these gatherings echo those of the pioneering pilots who began this tradition in the early 1950s. While the faces may have changed, the stories remain just as compelling, the experiences just as fresh, and the desire for adventure ever present.
On behalf of the New Zealand Chapter of this international fraternity, I invite you to join our network and enjoy everything the Skywagon has to offer.
John Evans
President
ABOUT US
The Cessna 180/185 Group was initially formed around 1976 when a group of like minded 180/185 owners decided to form a club. The club became affiliated with the American 180/185 club and operated happily for many years.
There are currently 150 Cessna 180 or 185's in New Zealand give or take. This number fluctuates slightly with many being imported from Australia, the America's, and sometimes Europe. New Zealand has exceptional 180/185 terrain with mountainous landscapes that suit the rugged capabilities.
The current 180/185 Group reformed with a new structure and regularly meets for shared story telling and social events. If you own a beautiful Cessna 180 or 185 or have been a member in the past and would like to become a current member please click below.
Our Mission Statement
"Bringing 180/185 pilots together in an enjoyable, safe, social environment, where constant learning and skill development is fostered at all levels of experience. Where airmanship, on the ground and in the air is always a priority"
