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
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Contribute
Popular mentions
5.0
1,533 reviews
Excellent
1,309
Very good
179
Average
36
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Sainty1
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA154 contributions
Wow
May 2021
This was so much better than we ever imagined. The presentation, the stories and of course the planes. Great to see, can't recommend it highly enough. I had thought it would appeal to my husband more than me but that wasnt the case. Go and see it if you are in Blenheim.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DiB5
Hamilton, New Zealand105 contributions
High calibre
Mar 2021 • Couples
Displays and information interesting Stalingrad experience was immersive.
Can see Weta studios influence. The calibre of the displays was a pleasant surprise.
Can see Weta studios influence. The calibre of the displays was a pleasant surprise.
Written 6 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kiwirugbymum
7 contributions
AMAZING AND A MUST
Apr 2021
An excellent exhibition. Both my husband and 13yr old son enjoyed both the WWI and WW11 exhibits. There is so much information to take on board along with a wealth of memorobilia that has been out together. The displays are so detailed and amazing to think that in New Zealand we have all these pieces of history. It was even better that during the school holidays kids go free.
Written 1 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cocopops1971
Auckland, New Zealand78 contributions
Awesome Place to visit for all ages
Apr 2021
What a great spot and brilliant exhibition. Enjoyed by 7 of us ranging in age from 14-50. Lovely friendly staff, great cafe and outstanding customer service. I contacted them today as we finished our campervan holiday and I thought I may have left souvenirs we purchased at the Centre. Heard back from them almost immediately confirming I did and offering to send to me at my home address ASAP. Thanks so much - hugely appreciated and make sure you visit :)
Written 28 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenni K
Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand40 contributions
Excellent!
Apr 2021 • Family
Thoroughly recommended! Exhibitions were interactive and very well fine. A must do if you’re in Blenheim
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lyndap15
Pukekohe, New Zealand25 contributions
Awesome visit
A must do when in Blenheim. Very good displays. So lifelike. It is interesting reading the information as you walk around too.
The coffee is good but there is not a huge selection for a lunch. Better for a snack.
Overall a fabulous place to visit
The coffee is good but there is not a huge selection for a lunch. Better for a snack.
Overall a fabulous place to visit
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you Lynda, great to hear that you enjoyed your visit and we appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Hope to see you again in the future!
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wander46757584245
Dunedin, New Zealand4 contributions
Amazing display of aircraft
Apr 2021
Amazing display of aircraft - highest level of detail we've encountered worldwide at an aviation museum. 100% recommend !
Written 13 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RachaelBrown29
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to write a review!
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FlickyIII
Pukenui, New Zealand30 contributions
Outstanding
Apr 2021 • Couples
The amount of detail and work that has gone into the exhibits is staggering. Really educational and humbling.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
26lv
Queenstown, New Zealand96 contributions
Amazing wxperience
Apr 2021 • Couples
Wow! The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has an awesome collection of aircraft and displays to please all visitors. With two main exhibits - the WW1 and WW2 collections - it is evident that many hours of time and effort have gone into the facility, both in restoring the beautiful vintage aircraft and in creating the lifelike and well thought out displays. We didn’t have long enough to properly enjoy the exhibits, so will definitely be back again soon!
You can buy a pass to just one or both exhibits, or an annual pass (for only $10 more) which will let you see the exhibits at your leisure and come back again later in the year. There are occasional updates to displays and sometimes aircraft can be out flying, so multiple visits may be recommended if you want the full experience.
You can buy a pass to just one or both exhibits, or an annual pass (for only $10 more) which will let you see the exhibits at your leisure and come back again later in the year. There are occasional updates to displays and sometimes aircraft can be out flying, so multiple visits may be recommended if you want the full experience.
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Les
2 contributions
Outstanding
Apr 2021
This museum is outstanding and well worth a visit. It is located close to Blenheim and addition has a number of flying war birds in the adjacent hangers.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen C
Okinawa City, Japan6 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
Okinawa City, Japan6 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
Okinawa City, Japan6 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
Forster89 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 Zealand0 contributions
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 $20.95, while a popular guided tour starts around $81.15 per person. See all 15 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 15 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 $40.83)
- Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting Tour (From $162.31)
- Picton Shore Excursion: Wings of Omaka and Marlborough Wine Tour (From $177.98)
- Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton (From $607.36)
- Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim (From $586.96)
- 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
- (4.69 km) Walnut Block Cottages
- Restaurants near Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre:
- (1.29 km) The Burleigh Gourmet Pies
- (1.14 km) Wither Hills Restaurant
- (4.27 km) Gramado's
- (3.45 km) The Tamarind 2017
- (3.65 km) Herb + Olive