Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: Explore WWI & WWII Exhibitions
4.9
66 Ratings
Blenheim
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of WWI and WWII aviation at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Explore the 'Knights of the Sky' exhibition showcasing Sir Peter Jackson's collection, and discover the thrilling stories of bravery and tragedy in the 'Dangerous Skies' exhibition.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - The museum is open 7 days throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Day. Currently we are open from 10am and closing at 4pm. We recommend that you allow a minimum of 90-minutes to visit both exhibitions.

In December 2006 the opening exhibition, Knights of the Sky was ground breaking, not just in terms of the historical importance, rarity and scale of the collection but in the innovative way it was presented. The generosity of film director Sir Peter Jackson, the owner of the collection, was integral in bringing the exhibition to life in a series of dioramas utilizing the formidable creative talents of WingNut Films and enhanced by mannequins by Weta Workshop.

In 2016, Dangerous Skies a second exhibition was opened. Utilizing the talents of both homegrown and internationally based experts the resulting displays have evolved yet again. Omaka, is a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft and the magnificent men and women who flew and created them.

What's Included
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) included
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Guided commentary unless requested.
  • Food and drink.
Additional Information

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents two world-class exhibitions. The first is the original ‘Knights of the Sky’ exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection of WWI aircraft and artifacts. The story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.

The second is the new exhibition ‘Dangerous Skies’ features stories from World War II. These are tales of daring, valour and tragedy stretching from the British Isles to the forests of Germany, an embattled but courageous Russia and the steaming hot jungles of South East Asia. Two of the star attractions are a twin engine bomber, the world’s only flyable Mk1 Avro Anson and a Griffon powered Mk.XIVe Spitfire. Women also feature more prominently in this exhibition and the Battle of Stalingrad is the stage for an immersive experience that is both entertaining and chillingly thought provoking.

  • Coffee, light refreshments and souvenirs available for purchase
  • All guests must be well and are required to sign in for contact tracing purposes.
Location
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
79 Aerodrome Road,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(66 Ratings)
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290grantn
Apr 19, 2024
Just simply excellent, great, awesome - pick your own superlative - Expected it to be good, even excellent, but it exceeded expectations. It's simply brilliant. The scenes, the planes, the histories, the stories, they're all fantastic. There were the stories of heroism, the nasty stuff, the horrible stuff, and the glorious stuff. You need to go yourself - you will not be disappointed - both exhibitions are thoroughly worthwhile. Really - just go!
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Guide745182
Apr 7, 2024
A must-see spot! - A must-see stop if you're even slightly interested in planes! The exhibits are the best I've seen, hands down. The attention to detail is over the top! We went because hubby is a plane fanatic but even a non-fanatic like myself enjoyed the exhibits. Highly recommend!!
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Alistairb1954
Mar 23, 2024
A must visit if you are visiting New Zealand - Off the scale fantastic .even if you are not particularly into aviation ,like my partner. This centre is just so good .It really tells the stories behind the planes and the characters who flew them . Very very impressive. We spent stronger than we planned .It turned into one of our New Zealand Highlights. We also had some very interesting chats with the guides who were great
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Joday013
Mar 18, 2024
Must see if you love aviation history. - This is a must see if you are into aviation history. The WW1 and 2 experiences are so well done. The must do is the Stalingrad experience at the end of the WW2 display. Plenty of staff to give you information if you want. All the displays have good easy information to read. The cafe on your way out does a great coffee also.
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Naomi
Mar 16, 2024
An aviation surprise! - An impressive museum and you feel the creativity and influence of director Peter Jackson. Recommend both the WW1 and WW2 pavilions. Clear and engaging explanation. suitable for those without an interest in aviation history. Good coffee and snacks at the cafe.
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Greeninsights
Mar 11, 2024
Historical insights from stories and displays - Both replica and original aircraft are displayed in two huge aerodromes a short drive from the Blenheim town centre. A helpful feature of our visit was our conversations with the guides on duty who helped with answer our questions. The displays include both models and life sized planes and people associated with each one- pilots, ground crews, casualties. The stories of both the men and women involved are told with photos, letters, uniforms and personal possessions. The mannequins are outstandingly realistic. We took a break between WWI and WW2 in the cafe where the coffee is outstanding and the staff very friendly. To get the most from your visit, start early in the day. Opens at 9am
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415tima
Mar 2, 2024
A wonderful gem of a museum - A completely brilliant and understated triumph. A total surprise. We only heard about the museum the day before so went on an impulse. It is a world class quality museum of WW1 and WW2 aircraft and militaria. Inspiring stories, beautiful aircraft and brilliant dioramas. Well worth a 3 hour trip.
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Passenger59865852599
Jan 5, 2024
Incredible museum experience - Fantastic experience, well worth seeing both exhibits. We were there for over 3 hours, the time disappeared so quickly. Was well worth the stopover in Blenheim!!
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Aw682018
Oct 3, 2023
Excellent museum, well worth a look. - Okay, so it’s not cheap to see both displays, however, it is so worth every dollar spent. It is the second time we have visited this fantastic museum and still worth seeing. The attention to detail is amazing! We spent 3-4 hrs there stopping for a lovely cup of coffee and snack before moving on to the second hanger. All the staff are so lovely and friendly, very helpful and informative too, so a big thank you to you all for making our visit today special.
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Jennyhw8384bx
Sep 21, 2023
Stunning - A must see for all in Marlborough area.Detail,research and displays outstanding!Well informed,enthusiastic guides made our visit even more rewarding.History came to life, especially Stalingrad experience.
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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