Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Blenheim: Hours, Address, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Reviews: 5/5
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Some of New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 and WW2 aircraft, both static and flyable, are presented in all their glory. The museum is home to two exhibitions, "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies". The former is on long-term loan from film director Sir Peter Jackson and comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia. Thanks to Sir Peter's generosity the aircraft have been brought to life in a series of dioramas created by Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as an historical journey.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from NZ$20.52
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Popular mentions
5.0
1,556 reviews
Excellent
1,328
Very good
183
Average
36
Poor
8
Terrible
1
JasonandKatieC
Wellington, New Zealand64 contributions
All the planes were lovingly restored and we felt like we had stepped back in time. For any aviation enthusiast this is a collection you'll never see anywhere else.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amanda D
10 contributions
Apr 2022
Very enjoyable, well put together and well displayed exhibition. The only slightly anoying thing was the 'guide' (I guess that's what he was), who decided to come and join us, even though we were happy walking around by ourselves, enjoying the exhibition. He meant well, but I wasn't really looking for a friend. Perhaps he just wanted someone to talk to. To be fair, he seemed to know what he was talking about.
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you for visiting us and we do appreciate you taking the time to post a review. In regards to the 'guide', thank you for your feedback sometimes we all need a reminder about curbing our enthusiasm!
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shane B
Te Awamutu, New Zealand744 contributions
Mar 2022
Just rocked up paid and saw no queues no waits.
As both an ex service man and a history buff ( I don't think there is a world war 1 or 2 documentary I haven't seen once or twice), I really enjoyed both exhibitions. Done in typical Peter Jackson style with a lot of the displays posed fighting, crashing etc. Got to see two of my favourite planes a Stuka and a Misquito, have about 100 photos. Highly recommended especially for families
As both an ex service man and a history buff ( I don't think there is a world war 1 or 2 documentary I haven't seen once or twice), I really enjoyed both exhibitions. Done in typical Peter Jackson style with a lot of the displays posed fighting, crashing etc. Got to see two of my favourite planes a Stuka and a Misquito, have about 100 photos. Highly recommended especially for families
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you, Shane, we are so glad that you enjoyed your visit to the museum. We appreciate you taking the time to post a review and hope to see you again in the near future.
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Simon D
Auckland, New Zealand645 contributions
Apr 2022
This was recommended through Tripadvisor as one of the things to see in Blenheim. My wife was less enthusiastic than I about spending some time here, but even she appreciated the work involved. Some really well put together displays and educational to boot!
Both displays combined were $39pp which although not cheap, I thought wasn't bad for a one off experience such as this.
Cafe and souvenir shop onsite also
Both displays combined were $39pp which although not cheap, I thought wasn't bad for a one off experience such as this.
Cafe and souvenir shop onsite also
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you for visiting us and so glad that you both enjoyed the exhibitions. We also appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Written 12 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
annandhim
Christchurch, New Zealand17 contributions
Apr 2022
Excellent aviation museum which made our trip to the Blenheim area worthwhile. Covering both world wars with an excellent number of aircraft and associated exhibits on display. Thank you to all the volunteers who have done such a good job.
If you ever expand further in the future, as an ex-naval pilot could I make a plea for a mention of naval aviation - New Zealand aircrew played a tremendous role in the Royal Navy in WW2.
Meantime keep up the good work - it's important that our children and grand children know about what happened back then.
If you ever expand further in the future, as an ex-naval pilot could I make a plea for a mention of naval aviation - New Zealand aircrew played a tremendous role in the Royal Navy in WW2.
Meantime keep up the good work - it's important that our children and grand children know about what happened back then.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you! We are so glad that you enjoyed your time at the museum, and thank you for your service.
Written 12 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Spinner69
Auckland, New Zealand61 contributions
Mar 2022
An excellent museum showcasing aircraft from the First and Second world wars. Well worth visiting and a nice cafe attached.
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you for visiting and so glad you enjoyed your time with us!
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lindy
Okaihau, New Zealand1 contribution
We saw both exhibitions and thought they were exceptional. I knew my husband would love it but wasn't so sure about myself. However we spent nearly 4 hrs there and in the end my husband had to come and find me - I was so engrossed. It has something for everyone - the technical stuff, but also personal stories. Well worth it - great value for money.
Written 24 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you for visiting the museum. It is wonderful to hear that the time you spent here just flew by - for both of you! We appreciate you leaving a review and hope to see you again in the near future.
Written 27 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BigMANTIS
Auckland Central, New Zealand50 contributions
Mar 2022
I visited both the WW1 and WW2 exhibits and can only say it was a fantastic exhibition that I am sooo glad I experienced. I highly recommend a visit to the Omaka Centre to anyone who has an interest in fighter aircraft of this vintage. A special thankyou to Peter the volunteer for all his advice. He clearly loves his work and I appreciated him taking the time to direct me and share some of his experience and knowledge with me.
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Inspiration456650
Russell, New Zealand139 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a great place to visit, it has authentic aircraft which has been set up beautifully and has some great displays of old aviation, well worth a visit.
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you for visiting us. So pleased you enjoyed the museum and we appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Written 15 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pat P
Kerikeri, New Zealand45 contributions
Feb 2022
Best aviation museum I have been to in NZ helped by the Weta workshops and the special effects of a bombing
Written 26 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you, Pat! WÄ“ta Workshop did a magnificent job of the mannequins there is no doubt. WingNut Films were responsible for the dioramas in WW1 and the Omaka creative team for WW2. Post Modern Digital in Ukraine created the Stalingrad bombing sequence.
Written 15 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen C
Jacksonville, NC9 contributions
Where it the Picton i-site in relation to where the cruise ships dock? What is the distance? Good to know about the Hop On Hop Off bus!
Rachael B
Blenheim, New Zealand5 contributions
If your ship is docking at Waimahara then it is a 1.8km drive to Picton i-Site. There are shuttles organised by the ship's ground handlers to take passengers directly to the i-Site unless you have already booked a shore excursion.
Karen C
Jacksonville, NC9 contributions
What is the best way to get to the Centre from the Picton cruise ship port? We will be in port just one day, Dec 27. Also, is there any need to buy our tickets in advance? Can't we just buy them when we show up? Thank you.
Rachael B
Blenheim, New Zealand5 contributions
There is a Hop On Hop Off bus service that operates from the Picton i-site. There are shuttles that will take you here to connect with this and other independent tours/transport providers. You do not need to buy tickets to the museum in advance as these can be purchased on the day. However guide services cannot be guaranteed. We hope to see you and in the meantime hope you enjoy your cruise. Safe travels.
Karen C
Jacksonville, NC9 contributions
We, too, have the same dilemma as Forstergadabout. Can we easily take a taxi from the cruise ship port in Picton down to Blenheim? We are just there for the day and would much like to visit the Omaka Aviation Centre on our own and not as part of a cruise ship excursion. We just need to have transportation down there. We will be in Picton on Dec 27. I checked the websites suggested in one of the answers and couldn't find anything about transportation that made much sense to me. I'm hoping there will be taxis waiting at the cruise terminal to take visitors where they want to go. Is this the case? Thank you.
Rachael B
Blenheim, New Zealand5 contributions
There is also a new Hop On Hop Off Marlborough bus service that operates that will bring you to Omaka. This departs from the Picton i-Site, shuttles will take you from the Port to connect with this and other independent tours/transport services.
Forstergadabout
Forster93 contributions
We are arriving in Picton by cruise ship on 10 January for the day, & wish to visit the Omaka Aviation Centre near Blenheim. The full day shore excursion offered by our cruise line is very expensive & allows time for a visit to the WW1 display only - this particular excursion has received shocking passenger reviews for other attractions visited on the same excursion. Have looked at hiring a car for the day but also very expensive. And buses depart too early in the day from Picton (our cruise doesn't dock in Picton until 10am). I found only one bus that we could possibly catch, leaving Picton at 1pm (then taxi to Centre from Blenheim?), view the Centre, then back to Blenheim (taxi?), then return bus to Picton - $25 per head each way (there are 4 of us). I haven't found any other excursions that allow us adequate time at the Centre, most focus on wineries, with the Centre a sideline. Any detailed suggestions such as:
(a) efficient & not outrageous costs of transport Picton-Blenheim-Centre return?
(b) any suitable excursion to allow us plenty of time at the Centre?
(c) perhaps a personal guide including transport from Picton return?
Many thanks
Forstergadabout
RachaelBrown29
Blenheim, New Zealand
Hi Forstergadabout, thank you for your message. The best thing to do would be to contact the Marlborough i-Sites - they have a list of independent operators who will be able to assist with transportation and/or other places that you may like to visit while you are here. They can organise it for you and the best news is that it won't cost more than what it would if you were to book it all directl!
Please google Marlborough i-Sites for the web link for the email address - unfortunately TA won't let me do that in a message.
I hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you. Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have any questions.
Best regards
Rachael
Frequently Asked Questions about Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $20.45, while a popular guided tour starts around $79.26 per person. See all 12 Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 12 Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre:
- Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (From $38.89)
- Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting Tour (From $158.54)
- Picton Shore Excursion: Wings of Omaka and Marlborough Wine Tour (From $173.85)
- Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim (From $573.31)
- Wine gourmet and scenic Escape Tour - Enjoy Your NZ Backyard: (From $158.51)
- Hotels near Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre:
- (3.13 km) Ellena Court Motel
- (3.77 km) St Leonards Vineyard Cottages
- (4.31 km) Antria Boutique Lodge
- (3.36 km) 171 On High Motel
- (3.66 km) Two Tree Lodge
- Restaurants near Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre:
- (1.29 km) The Burleigh Gourmet Pies
- (1.14 km) Wither Hills Restaurant
- (4.27 km) Gramado's
- (3.65 km) Herb + Olive
- (3.45 km) The Tamarind 2017