THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into history with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, then unwind with world-class Marlborough wines and a sweet stop at the Chocolate Factory. Discover Marlborough’s unique 5-hour tour blends aviation and wine for an unforgettable experience.
Step into history with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, then unwind with world-class Marlborough wines and a sweet stop at the Chocolate Factory. Discover Marlborough’s unique 5-hour tour blends aviation and wine for an unforgettable experience.
Book with Discover Marlborough
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discover Marlborough · Blenheim, Marlborough
The Marlborough region is best known for its vibrant vineyards and stunning natural beauty, but it also holds a hidden gem of aviation history that elevates the local adventure scene: the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Located near Blenheim, New Zealand’s premier wine country, this distinctive tour offered by Discover Marlborough crafts an unforgettable half-day experience blending riveting aviation history with the region’s renowned wine culture.
Upon arrival at Omaka, visitors step into an immersive environment where rare World War I and II aircraft are displayed with imaginative storytelling and eye-catching exhibits. The museum’s lighting, handcrafted sets, and authentic artifacts don’t just display planes—they bring to life the stories of the pilots and the era’s history in a deeply engaging way. Many of the displayed aircraft have been meticulously restored, providing enthusiasts and casual visitors alike an up-close look at some of the world’s most significant historic flying machines.
Following the museum visit, the tour turns to Marlborough’s famous vineyards, a landscape shaped by gravelly alluvial soils and a temperate maritime climate that produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. Participants savor a carefully curated tasting experience at select wineries, guided by knowledgeable hosts who share insights on winemaking traditions and terroir.
Lunch breaks at one of Marlborough’s top restaurants offer a chance to refuel with local flavors before the tour winds down with a stop at the famed Chocolate Factory, delighting the palate with handcrafted confections.
Discover Marlborough’s blend of history and viticulture presents a unique adventure in New Zealand’s outdoor and cultural landscape. This tour is ideal for both aviation buffs and wine lovers looking for a balanced, engaging excursion that combines both learning and leisure in the heart of Marlborough.
easy.
5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels with minimal walking and mostly seated activities.
Lunch is not included in the package; you will have about an hour to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant of your choice.
Yes, all wine tasting fees are included, and the tour typically visits two select wineries.
While the aviation museum is family-friendly, the wine tasting portion is suited for adults; please check with the operator regarding age policies.
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Blenheim are included in the tour service.
The tour offers both English and French-speaking professional guides.
Yes, the visit to the Chocolate Factory is included as a last stop to sweeten your experience.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre features sets and displays created by Peter Jackson’s WingNut Films team, combining cinematic artistry with aviation history to present WWI and WWII aircraft.
Marlborough vineyards often adopt sustainable viticulture practices emphasizing water conservation and biodiversity to preserve the region’s natural landscape.
Discover Marlborough is a boutique tour operator based in Marlborough, New Zealand, offering private wine and heritage experiences across the region. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Discover Marlborough arranges small-group and private itineraries that focus on premium cellar-door visits, curated tastings, and regional food pairings. Tours include the Marlborough Private Classic Wine Tour, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre + Wine Tasting Package, and the Marlborough Private Boutique Wine Tour. Each itinerary combines multiple winery tastings, a chef-prepared or café lunch stop, and a visit to Makana Chocolate for a local chocolate tasting. Options for gin, whiskey, or cheese tastings are available on selected departures. Guides are local experts who provide commentary on Marlborough viticulture, grape varieties, and the wineries visited, and can deliver tours in preferred languages when requested. Vehicles are private and suited to small groups seeking a personalized day out. Discover Marlborough coordinates tastings at four cellar doors for standard tours and selects hidden boutique producers for the boutique itinerary. The Omaka package pairs museum time at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre with wine tasting and lunch for a mixed cultural and culinary experience. Booking information, availability, and special requests are managed through Discover Marlborough’s reservation process; private tour flexibility accommodates dietary needs and group preferences. With a focus on private, guided wine experiences and regional highlights, Discover Marlborough presents a straightforward way to explore Marlborough’s wines and attractions. Tour durations typically range from five to six hours, with private scheduling available to suit group needs and preferences.
Book with Discover Marlborough