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Museum · Blenheim, Marlborough
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Aviation museum at the Omaka airfield, about 5 km from Blenheim town centre. Aircraft and staged scenes from the First World War (Knights of the Sky) and the Second (Dangerous Skies), with figures made by Wētā Workshop.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is at the Omaka airfield, about 5 km from Blenheim town centre, and houses one of New Zealand’s best-known military aviation collections. The museum is divided into two main exhibitions, presented in large staged sets with aircraft, human figures and period objects.
The Knights of the Sky exhibition, opened in 2006, covers the First World War and brings together original aircraft and replicas, some airworthy. The collection is run by a foundation chaired by filmmaker Peter Jackson, and set designers and film artists worked on the displays. The figures, which depict pilots and mechanics in real-life situations, were made by Wētā Workshop.
The second exhibition, Dangerous Skies, covers the Second World War, including the Battle of Britain and the often less-remembered eastern front, also presented in aircraft-filled sets. In odd-numbered years, at Easter, the airfield hosts the Classic Fighters airshow, with wartime aircraft in flight.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 2 to 3 hours for both exhibitions.
Best time
Any time of year, preferably in the morning so you can leave the afternoon for wineries. At Easter in odd-numbered years the Classic Fighters festival packs the town; book accommodation in advance.
How to get there
It’s at the Omaka airfield on Aerodrome Road, about 5 km from Blenheim town centre, roughly a 10-minute drive or taxi ride.
Tip
Admission is charged separately and combined tickets are available for both exhibitions; check the current pricing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
What is at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre?
Two military aviation exhibitions: Knights of the Sky, covering World War I, and Dangerous Skies, covering World War II, featuring original aircraft and replicas in large displays, with figures created by Wētā Workshop.
What is Peter Jackson’s connection to the Omaka museum?
The filmmaker chairs the foundation that manages the World War I collection, and film teams associated with him worked on assembling the displays.
When does the Omaka airshow take place?
Classic Fighters takes place in odd-numbered years over the Easter weekend at Omaka aerodrome. Confirm dates before you plan.