1953 London to Christchurch air race

The 1953 London to Christchurch air race, the "Last Great Air Race", was about 12,000 miles (19,000 km) long, from London Airport (now London Heathrow) to Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand, and took place in October 1953 after Christchurch declared their airport as international in 1950. It was intended to mark the centenary of Christchurch, also in 1950, and 50 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight in 1903.

As part of the festivities, Air New Zealand sponsored a beauty pageant on October 19, 1953. The winner was Patsy Lloyd, followed by 1st runner up Patricia Boswell (Cantwell) and Shirley Cutler.

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