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WWI & WWII Aviation History at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - Blenheim

WWI & WWII Aviation History at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Blenheimeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–6 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily walking and standing indoors

Overview

Step into the thrilling history of WWI and WWII aviation at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim. This all-day ticket unlocks two exhibitions that bring wartime flight to life through incredible artifacts and lifelike dioramas.

Blenheim, Marlborough

General Admission - Both Exhibitions

For all ages • All Day • Best of Both!

Museum

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About This Adventure

An experience to remember!!

Duration

All day (9am-5pm)

About

This ticket will give you access to both exhibitions (Knights of the Sky WW1 and Dangerous Skies WW2)

Knights of the Sky WW1 The Great War (WWI) is the stage on which the story of aviation and the ‘Knights of the Sky’ comes to life. This is the personal collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson and through his generosity a series of dioramas, created by Wingnut Films and enhanced by lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop combined to provide a museum experience, never seen before its opening in 2006.

Rare memorabilia on display; the envy of any national collection ranges from beautifully crafted ‘trench’ art through to personal items belonging to national flying heroes such as the USA’s Eddie Rickenbacker, France’s René Fonck and Germany’s Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen and the infamous Hermann Goering.

Dangerous Skies WW2 Visit Sir Peter Jackson’s Knights of the Sky Exhibition and travel to a time when the harshness and cruelty of the war in the trenches contrasted with the chivalry and bravado of the war in the air. Opened in November 2016, the exhibition Dangerous Skies broadens the Omaka experience into the more familiar territory of World War Two, even while breaking new ground. Taking visitors on a journey the through lesser-known stories of the war on the Eastern front, those of the world’s only female fighter aces and the most famous of all women regiments; Russia’s 588th Night Bombers, or ‘Night Witches’ as the Germans called them.

Like World War One’s Knights of the Sky, Dangerous Skies features mannequins made by Weta Workshop, and original, flyable static aircraft in larger-than-life dioramas, capturing specific snapshots in history.

In 2019, Dangerous Skies has undergone a refresh and the main exhibition area now holds two additional aircraft, both originals and never seen before at Omaka. The first a Messerschmitt Bf108 once owned and flown by German ace Franz Stigler, and the second a Lockheed Hudson, an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft which has been suspended in a dramatic crash scene in the depths of a Pacific island jungle.

More info

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring

Bring a smile Bring a camera and have a blast!!

Adventure Tips

Allow ample time

Both exhibitions are extensive—plan at least 4 hours to fully appreciate the displays.

Photography allowed

Bring your camera; photos are permitted without flash to preserve artifacts.

Children require supervision

All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the exhibitions.

Comfortable walking shoes recommended

Exhibits cover large, multi-room spaces requiring standing and walking.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Native New Zealand bird species around the grounds
  • Occasional sightings of native lizards in outdoor areas

History

The heritage centre features Sir Peter Jackson’s private collection and showcases New Zealand’s unique contribution to wartime aviation history.

Conservation

The centre emphasizes preserving original artifacts and utilizes environmentally sensitive display techniques to minimize impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Blenheim

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supportive shoes help navigate extensive indoor spaces and avoid foot fatigue.

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture high-quality images of unique artifacts and detailed dioramas.

Light jacket

For cool indoor temperatures and outdoor arrivals or departures.

fall|spring|winter specific

Notebook and pen

Ideal for jotting down facts and stories from the exhibitions.