Walk among real WWI and WWII aircraft and cinematic dioramas at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Sir Peter Jackson’s collection and Wētā Workshop sets bring wartime stories vividly to life—allow about 90 minutes to tour both galleries.
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You step through a hangar door and the air changes: the hush of oil and canvas, the creak of wooden frames, and mannequins caught mid-motion as if frozen between sorties. Dim theater lighting and Wētā-crafted dioramas place you on the slopes of a Western Front trench or inside a smoke-stained Russian factory, while real aircraft loom overhead, their rivets and varnish catching what light remains.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly indoor, flat walking surfaces
Wildlife
History
Omaka’s core collection was donated and curated by Sir Peter Jackson; early exhibitions used Wētā Workshop and WingNut Films to create immersive, historically researched dioramas.
Conservation
The Centre combines airframe restoration with archival research; visitors are asked to follow signage and avoid flash photography to protect fragile materials.
Reserve your spot on the Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Use the skip‑the‑line ticket
Book a skip‑the‑line mobile ticket to avoid queues during peak summer and weekend hours.
Plan for 90–120 minutes
The combined exhibitions recommend a minimum of 90 minutes—add time if you want to read displays closely or photograph.
No flash photography near restorations
Photography is usually allowed but flash may be banned close to delicate fabrics and paint—respect signage to protect artifacts.
Accessible for most visitors
All public areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible; staff can assist with mobility questions on arrival.
Comfortable walking shoes
Flat, non‑slip shoes keep you steady walking between hangars and dioramas.
Light jacket or layer
Museum interiors can be cool; a light layer helps in shoulder seasons.
spring
Compact camera or smartphone
To capture displays and aircraft—remember to disable flash where indicated.
Reusable water bottle
Tap water is available at the visitor center; a refillable bottle keeps you hydrated during longer visits.
summer