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Knights of the Sky - World War One Aviation Exhibition at Omaka Heritage Centre
4.9
29 Ratings
Blenheim
Experience the thrilling Knights of the Sky exhibition at Omaka Heritage Centre, showcasing Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of World War One aircraft and artifacts. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of aviation in the Great War with stunning sets by WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.
Experience the thrilling Knights of the Sky exhibition at Omaka Heritage Centre, showcasing Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of World War One aircraft and artifacts. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of aviation in the Great War with stunning sets by WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - The Knights of the Sky exhibition presents the story of aviation development during World War 1. Sharing the stories of the men and women behind the machines both in the air and on the ground. Captivating scenes created by cinematic experts WingNut Films depict the aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an…
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - The Knights of the Sky exhibition presents the story of aviation development during World War 1. Sharing the stories of the men and women behind the machines both in the air and on the ground. Captivating scenes created by cinematic experts WingNut Films depict the aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an incident that actually happened in the war. Rare memorabilia is on display, worthy of any national collection and ranges from beautifully crafted
You can take a self guided tour or guided tours are available on request.
What's Included
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) included
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) included
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Guided commentary unless requested
- Food and drinks
- Guided commentary unless requested
Additional Information
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre proudly showcases the remarkable Knights of the Sky exhibition, which includes film director Sir Peter Jackson’s personal collection of World War One aircraft and artifacts. This captivating narrative of aviation during the Great War is vividly brought to life through stunning sets crafted by the internationally…
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre proudly showcases the remarkable Knights of the Sky exhibition, which includes film director Sir Peter Jackson’s personal collection of World War One aircraft and artifacts. This captivating narrative of aviation during the Great War is vividly brought to life through stunning sets crafted by the internationally renowned WingNut Films and Wētā Workshop. This world-class exhibition offers something for everyone, not just aviation enthusiasts.
- Food, drink & souvenirs are available for purchase
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Closed Christmas Day
- Warm clothing recommended during the Winter months
- As a courtesy to others, please only visit if you are well.
Location
79 Aerodrome Road
Aerodrome Road
Departure Point: We are located alongside the Omaka Airfield, 5km from the Blenheim CBD. The route is well sign-posted off State Highway One, along State Highway Six to Aerodrome Road.
Address: 79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim, Marlborough 7272
Dates: Daily (except Christmas Day)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(29 Ratings)
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Tonyhell
Nov 30, 2025
One of the worlds best air museums for WWI and II - I’ve made it a habit to visit aviation museums wherever I travel. I’ve seen some great ones, and a lot more that are pretty pedestrian. Places that are trying hard but just don’t have the resources to get it done. The Omaka museum is one of the best I’ve seen; right up there with the best in the world. The information provided about the exhibits is not an exaggeration; the breadth of the collections and the unique and amazing dioramas are outstanding. Even my friends who aren’t aviation enthusiasts loved it. Do not miss this one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissa
Sep 24, 2025
You have to go to Omaka. - We drove from Christchurch to Blenheim just to visit Omaka and we were not disappointed. The exhibits are brilliant and it is easy to see how passionate the museum is about their pieces. The design of the displays are first class and it was wonderful talking to the volunteers. Stay a while, see both WWI and WWII.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissa
Sep 24, 2025
This is a definite MUST DO when you are visiting South Island. - We travelled to South Island and drove from Christchurch to Blenheim, specifically to visit Omaka. Boy were we excited. The exhibits are incredible. So much thought has been put into each display and plenty of information. See both WWI and WWII exhibits including staying for the short film which is so cleverly made. Great location, excellent for all ages. It also has a lovely cafe so you can stop for a coffee.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbietf837du
Sep 13, 2025
A must Do - The tour we did was just the shed for WWI as we didn't have time for the two sheds. It was a great exhibition the planes were amazing. The mannequins looked so real, they had the displays done so well that you thought it was real. Every detail to make you feel you were there was done, the snow and mud displays were so well done with the footprints in the mud and snow. Everyone was so friendly, the real people!!!.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Majnz
Mar 11, 2025
well worth visiting - 2nd time to visit for me, and the first time for my partner, who’s not in to “war stuff”, and we ended up spending well over an hour and half wandering around the excellent exhibits.
As she said, 'the dioramas are so life like’. The information is concise and interesting; although please clean the screens as it’s hard sometimes to read what’s written under subdued lighting.
At $30 per exhibition/per person it’s heading up there cost wise, but in all honesty, worth it.
If you can grab a guide to accompany you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennycp3959lv
Mar 2, 2024
Outstanding museums allow plenty of time - One of the best museum experiences we have ever had. Informative, realistic. Incredible wealth of material and jam packed with human history to bring it all to life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
776teda
Apr 14, 2023
Outstanding Museum a must for aviation enthusiasts - Awesome museum with beautiful restored aircraft and displays. The scene is movie set worthy and you feel like you are on the ground in the Great War.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trophywest
Feb 17, 2023
Outstanding Exhibition - The museum features vintage WWI and WWII aircraft as well as many displays of the different "aces" during those conflicts. They just had time to see the WWI side, but wished we could have seen the other as well. The displays were very well done, including the downing of the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, who had 80 "kills". They were proud to note that it was an Australian machine gunner that brought him down. The first man to use a parachute was a New Zealander. The Kiwis and Aussies were used as cannon fodder by the Brits as 67% of New Zealander's and 61% of Australians who fought in WWI were killed. They also had a wonderful display of America's ace, Eddie Rickenbacker (26 kills), that the Smithsonian would covet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David
Feb 9, 2023
Amazing find in a small New Zealand town. - I visited the museum during a cruise around New Zealand on Princess cruises with my family, all of whom are keen on aviation. As Blenheim is a small town on the north of the South Island we weren't expecting the visit to be very exciting but we were so wrong. Sir Peter Jackson, the film director, established the museum and all the many, many exhibits using his own money. On display were authentic World War 1 aircraft, artefacts, documents, medals etc. which Sir Peter had acquired over the years. One German visitor was heard to remark that the extent of all the exhibits from Germany was unlike anything that he had ever seen in his home country and which included photos and letters from the famous 'Red Baron'. We were well and truly blown away with the exhibits and could have spent much, much longer there and we will most certainly return without the time restraints imposed by the cruise company. There is a combined coffee and souvenir shop with excellent coffee and snacks and some unique souvenirs for sale.
If you are in this part of New Zealand I highly recommend a visit, even if you are not particularly keen on aviation as the background history of the conflict is well explained by the guides and the exhibits are beautifully presented.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen
Jan 17, 2023
Worth a Visit - We did a double deal where we saw The Heritage Centre and then the other smaller exhibit. At $39 each for the adults, I thought it was good value. We stayed about 2 1/2 hours.
It had been at least ten years since we had been here to the aviation centre. How it has changed. Now they offer flights in planes as well. (Maybe they did then, but I wasn't aware of it). The models and displays are amazing and I can appreciate the time and effort gone into making the details correct. Guides around the displays were knowledgeable, passionate about their job, and with a sense of humour. The shop had lots to offer and supported the RSA. The cafe had lovely coffee. We are lucky to be able to visit such a place and be educated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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