Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 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 Wētā Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as a historical journey.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- John S12 contributionsPerhaps the most well presented and interesting aviation museum.Beautifully presented exhibits with great information boards. Fabulous diaoramas. Truely magnificent. Highly recommended. I would have loved there to have been a guide book with the information boards included as they were very informative and entertaining. I have photographed them to refer back to but a souvenir guide would have been excellentThank you, John. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your visit. We do have a book that covers the Knights of the Sky exhibition. This is available at the gift shop and online.Written 21 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 14 January 2024
- Tourist306Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom50 contributionsA fascinating displayThis was recommended to me by a fellow passenger on the Picton ferry and I am very pleased he did as I had not heard about it. It consists of two large exhibition hangars devoted to first and second war aircraft. The exhibits are very well presented with boards explaining the aircraft. Additionally there are knowledgeable guides who are keen to explain about the aircraft. The Stalingrad audio visual display at the end which highlights Russian WW2 losses probably helps explain their continuing anti Western attitude. We didn’t get to see any aircraft flying, but the Avro Anson taxiing was a bonus.Thank you for visiting Omaka. We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit and appreciate you taking the time to post a review.Written 21 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 January 2024
- Alice M3 contributionsAn absolute must see in BlenheimThis amazing museum was completely mind blowing. Vintage planes are always fascinating, but the way these are displayed in the most realistic of dioramas really sends it onto another level. You honestly felt you were looking at real people interacting with the fabulous old planesThank you, Alice! It is great to hear that you enjoyed the museum.Written 21 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
1,626 reviews
Excellent
1,390
Very good
189
Average
38
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Bruce L
Palmerston North, New Zealand46 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We’re neither WWI war buffs nor aviation enthusiasts yet found this display utterly absorbing. Beautifully reconstructed planes, some as dioramas and well annotated memorabilia kept us amused for just over an hour.
Be warned to bring warm clothing, the hangars are cold.
Good cafe and a small shop in the entrance foyer.
We enjoyed it so much that we’re keen to see the WWII display another time.
Be warned to bring warm clothing, the hangars are cold.
Good cafe and a small shop in the entrance foyer.
We enjoyed it so much that we’re keen to see the WWII display another time.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silverthreads101
Palmerston North, New Zealand382 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This is a world class display of planes that were used in the World Wars. It is definitely worth doing both exhibitions. There was plenty of interesting aviation memorabilia too however the lighting in these areas made it hard to read many of the description panels. There is a small cafe and a gift shop on site. We purchased some kit set paper planes for our grandson at a very reasonable price. Needs at least two hours for both exhibition halls.
Written 29 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Estuary views
Exmouth, UK40 contributions
Nov 2019
I've visited lots of aviation museums and centres over the years and can confidently say this is one of the best. It's not the biggest or the most varied, but the quality of the exhibits and their settings are some of the best I've experienced. Many of the aircraft are set in scenes replicating actual events and are most lifelike. A big bonus was the fact that my wife was, unusually, completely absorbed by the first class story telling around the aircraft and the many, many other exhibits.
Do go if you have the opportunity.
Do go if you have the opportunity.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy T
Taupo, New Zealand119 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
This place is so amazing and we loved most of the experience.
It would have got a 5 star if it wasn’t for the elderly gentleman who seemed to follow us around.
We were reading and talking to the kids about one of the planes when he came up and interrupted us with his input.
Didn’t ask if we wanted it just butted in and then proceeded to tell us to keep the kids out of the displays and not to touch them.
We made a joke about hiding the kids in the displays to have them blend in with them and he certainly wasn’t impressed.
Maybe that’s why he followed us around.
It made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome to say the least.
Also the direction to the ww2 exhibit weren’t clear as we were told to go across to the build over there which ended us in the car museum the guy said it happens quite often. Maybe better signage would help.
It would have got a 5 star if it wasn’t for the elderly gentleman who seemed to follow us around.
We were reading and talking to the kids about one of the planes when he came up and interrupted us with his input.
Didn’t ask if we wanted it just butted in and then proceeded to tell us to keep the kids out of the displays and not to touch them.
We made a joke about hiding the kids in the displays to have them blend in with them and he certainly wasn’t impressed.
Maybe that’s why he followed us around.
It made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome to say the least.
Also the direction to the ww2 exhibit weren’t clear as we were told to go across to the build over there which ended us in the car museum the guy said it happens quite often. Maybe better signage would help.
Written 21 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Competonions
Whitianga, New Zealand35 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We spent a very interesting half day here, and were impressed by the dioramas created around various aircraft. The Hudson jungle display in the WW2 area was particularly stunning. You could fill a day here if you took your time, and there are plenty of things to interest both aeroplane buffs and those not so taken with them. The audio visual presentation demonstrating the number of deaths brought about by the Second World War was very well done, and thought provoking.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew D
Diss, UK80 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Easy parking, friendly and efficient reception and coffee shop with gifts/souvenirs leading into the first part of the exhibition (WWI aircraft).
This is an extraordinary collection of aircraft, including at least two completely original planes and re-builds or replicas, mainly built, I believe, by The Vintage Aviation Ltd workshops as near as you’ll get to precise in every detail.
How these planes are displayed is so lifelike in wartime action scenarios is worth seeing on its own. It’s not just for us aeroplane nerdy types!
The second part is relatively new and focus on the WWII aviation with a wide range of special exhibits. Brilliant! So pleased we made the pilgrimage.... the flying displays must be awesome.
This is an extraordinary collection of aircraft, including at least two completely original planes and re-builds or replicas, mainly built, I believe, by The Vintage Aviation Ltd workshops as near as you’ll get to precise in every detail.
How these planes are displayed is so lifelike in wartime action scenarios is worth seeing on its own. It’s not just for us aeroplane nerdy types!
The second part is relatively new and focus on the WWII aviation with a wide range of special exhibits. Brilliant! So pleased we made the pilgrimage.... the flying displays must be awesome.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelDH
Christchurch, New Zealand87 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Hadn’t considered this as an option to visit this trip until it was highly recommended the previous day by Cam, from Hop’n’Grape wine tours (see separate 5-star review).
We were all really impressed by the collection itself but the Peter Jackson dioramas just brought it all spectacularly to life.
The fact that the majority of planes are airworthy, rather than just model replicas, and are regularly flown at air shows just added to our appreciation.
We were all really impressed by the collection itself but the Peter Jackson dioramas just brought it all spectacularly to life.
The fact that the majority of planes are airworthy, rather than just model replicas, and are regularly flown at air shows just added to our appreciation.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1811027Scott
Auckland, New Zealand185 contributions
Feb 2020
Lovely exhibition of WWI and WWII aircraft and interesting memorabilia, well presented and well worth a visit. Cafe attached for a drink afterwards. They have seats available to take a rest all through the museum and wheelchair accessible. Do not forget to go to the classic cars hangar afterwards just across the way (opens at noon). A little out of town centre so either drive, taxi or coach to get there.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia45,110 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
The Omaka Heritage Center is in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. In the true definition of the word museum, Omaka does not fit. Rather, it would be better to refer to it as an interpretive center. Most of the aircraft on display are replicas and recreations of events of the world wars including aircraft. The only two original aircraft here is the Caproni CA22 and a deHavilland DH4. The “Knights in the Sky” displays scenes from World War I while the “Dangerous Skies” exhibit is dedicated to WWII. The sets include a plane replica and life-size figures representative of the soldiers. A side note: The sets were created by the WETA Workshop known for its figures in Lord of the Rings. In the center of the hall, artifacts from the wars are displayed and some old cars can be found in front of some of the sets. Among the things you will see here include a bomb shelter, German pilot Baron Manfred von Richtofen, a -P40 Kittyhawk, Curtiss Flying Boat, and a snow scene. There is an airfield offering flights in aircraft for a sightseeing tour of Marlborough. Prices for these so-called joy rides are $395 for 20 minutes and $275 for 10 minutes. Ideal for WWI and WWII enthusiasts and all history buffs.
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the museum. We would like to add that as well as the Caproni and DH-4 that there is also an original Curtiss MF Flying Boat and a Thomas Morse Scout in WW2. While the other aircraft may be reproductions, it is important to recognise that for some types there are no originals left in the world and that in the case of the Morane-Saulnier BB, this is the only full-scale replica currently in existence. In addition, in WW2, there is an original de Havilland Mosquito, an Mk.14 Spitfire, a Lockheed Hudson and a P-40 Kittyhawk. The memorabilia from WW1 is incredible and includes personal artefacts belonging to both America and Germany's top-scoring aces, amongst other treasures. The collection seen here is one of if not the world's most extensive private collection of WW1 memorabilia. All the Knights of the Sky WW1 exhibition sets were created by WingNut Films as opposed to Wētā Workshop. The latter was responsible for the mannequins in both exhibitions. Local artisans and craftspeople created the Dangerous Skies exhibition. As always, we remain grateful to Sir Peter Jackson for his generosity and for allowing the collection to be enjoyed by the general public. We can highly recommend the Boeing Stearman flights, it is also possible to enjoy scenic flights in a Yak-3 and the world's only flyable Mk.1 Avro Anson.
Written 16 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
43wendyn
Woodbridge, UK21 contributions
Jan 2020
absolutely amazing museum. worth viewing both the WW1 and WW2 hangars. both are laid out like film sets with stories of local and international heroes. we have been to many aviation museums and cannot reccommend this highly enough. the guides are helpful and knowledgeable.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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!
Written 13 October 2017
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.
Written 15 October 2017
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.
Written 11 October 2017
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.
Written 12 October 2017
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.
Written 11 October 2017
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.
Written 12 October 2017
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
Written 29 December 2016
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
Written 30 December 2016
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