Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: Experience the Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition
4.5
20 Ratings
Blenheim
Immerse yourself in the 'Dangerous Skies' exhibition at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Discover daring stories from WWII, featuring iconic aircraft and the role of women. Choose a guided or self-guided tour.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - The museum is open 7 days throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Day. Last entry is from 4pm and we close at 5pm. We recommend that you allow a minimum of 45-minute to visit this exhibition.
On the 1st of November 2016, the highly-anticipated unveiling of Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s second exhibition ‘Dangerous Skies’ took place. Utilizing the talents of both homegrown and internationally based experts the resulting displays have evolved yet again. Today the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, is a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Not just for enthusiasts, the centre tells the story of aviation during World Wars’ I & II, the time in which the most intense period of aviation development took place.
What's Included
- Inclusion of Goods and Services Tax (GST)
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Guided commentary unless requested.
- Food and drinks.
Additional Information
Encounter the ‘Dangerous Skies’ display, showcasing narratives from the Second World War at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum. Relive the heroic exploits, brave deeds and heartbreaking events that took place from the British Isles to Germany’s forests, the beleaguered yet defiant Russia and the Pacific. Two of the exhibits not to miss include a Griffon fuelled Mk.XIVe Spitfire and a Focke Wulf 190. The contribution of women is depicted more prominently in this exhibition and the Battle of Stalingrad serves as the backdrop for an immersive journey both diverting and profoundly thought-stimulating.
Is it your preference a guided highlights tour or to explore on your own via the self-guided option?
- Coffee Kiosk and light refreshments available
- Souvenirs available for purchase
- All guests must be well and are required to sign in for contact tracing purposes.
Location
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
79 Aerodrome Road,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(20 Ratings)
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Inspiration456650
Mar 13, 2022
A Great Aviation Display - This is a great place to visit, it has authentic aircraft which has been set up beautifully and has some great displays of old aviation, well worth a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faymieli
Jan 15, 2022
A must do in Blenheim - I didn't know what I expected to see in the WWII exhibition. It was quiet after the peak travel season but the friendly staff there was very knowledgeable of what on displays. He explained to me a lot that otherwise I won't know from just reading onsite. I couldn't believe I stayed quite long time to go through each display as a sole female traveler. Highly recommended if you are in Blenheim!
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Lisa
Apr 28, 2021
Awesome Place to visit for all ages - 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 :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lyndap15
Apr 17, 2021
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour812974
Jan 17, 2021
Fantastic - Well worth a visit. The exhibitions were fantastic and of exceptional quality.
The cafe was very good as well
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rodman100
Nov 18, 2020
Great dispay - I did the WW1 experience 2 years ago and didn't have time for the WW2 experience. The WW2 has fewer planes on display (8), but they are in pristine condition and still fly, there is even a Hudson bomber on display that has crashed into the jungle (done by Weta workshop). There is even a 10 minute interactive movie where you are looking at Stalingrad while the Germans are bombing. Also displays of memorabilia to view.Value for money at $20.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kiwiseley
Oct 22, 2020
Spectacular. Please visit .... LEST WE FORGET. - We had previously visited and seen the WWI exhibition and were very impressed. This WWII exhibition is surprising in that is just gets better as you go along. Unfortunately (for Omaka) when we went there weren't many visitors. This was a bonus for us as it allowed us to move at our own pace. The stories about seemingly ordinary Kiwis becoming reluctant war heroes makes you proud. The audiovisual presentation is amazing and very thought provoking. Good cafe on site too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Miriam
May 31, 2023
An aviation history lesson. A story of New Zealand’s involvement in the two Great Wars. - For WW1 and WW2 aviation buffs, this place is Mecca. I don’t fall in that category but my husband does! We changed our travelling plans so that he could visit and perhaps see the WW2 Avro Anson, the only one which is airworthy and flying. But it wasn’t on view as the aeroplane is owned by a private individual. However, the exhibitions were so very good it made up for the disappointment. We went out of season, so the museum was quiet and not busy. I would image during the holiday times, it would prove to be a popular destination. Whilst I would recommend a visit, I would suggest this is not a place to keep young children engaged.
The jelly sweets in the shape of an aeroplane are good. $2 from the coffee/ cafe counter.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P_pebbles
Jan 15, 2021
Very informative - I decided we needed somewhere else to go rather than drinking wine all day. The displays were well done and the 2 displays were very informative. The video presentation at the end of the WW2 exhibit was interesting too. A nice way to spend an afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nzbushbasher
Jan 3, 2024
Let down - After seeing the incredible WW1 display a few years ago I was pretty disappointed with this one. I would have liked more life-like settings with more 'activity', rather than planes plonked in a shed. The only decent scene was the jungle which was so clever, and the Stalingrad film saved the morning. Very wordy info panels wouldn't have engaged children or teens which is a lost opportunity.
The Cafe is fairly average too. Go to the WW2 exhibition and give this one a miss.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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