Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents two world-class exhibitions. The first is the original ‘Knights of the Sky’ exhibition, featuring film director, Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of WWI aircraft and artifacts. The story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Wētā Workshop.
The second is the new exhibition ‘Dangerous Skies’ features stories from World War II. These are tales of daring, valour and tragedy stretching from the British Isles to the forests of Germany, an embattled but courageous Russia and the steaming hot jungles of the South Pacific. Two of the star attractions are an original DeHavilland Mosquito, fondly known as the "Wooden Wonder" and a Griffon powered Mk.XIVe Spitfire. Women also feature more prominently in this exhibition and the Battle of Stalingrad is the stage for an immersive experience that is both entertaining and chillingly thought provoking.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Coffee, light refreshments and souvenirs available for purchase
All guests must be well and are required to sign in for contact tracing purposes.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
The museum is open 7 days throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Day. Currently we are open from 10am and closing at 4pm. We recommend that you allow a minimum of 90-minutes to visit both exhibitions. In December 2006 the opening exhibition, Knights of the Sky was ground breaking, not just in terms of the historical importance, rarity and scale of the collection but in the innovative way it was presented. The generosity of film director Sir Peter Jackson, the owner of the collection, was integral in bringing the exhibition to life in a series of dioramas utilizing the formidable creative talents of WingNut Films and enhanced by mannequins by Weta Workshop. In 2016, Dangerous Skies a second exhibition was opened. Utilizing the talents of both homegrown and internationally based experts the resulting displays have evolved yet again. Omaka, is a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft and the magnificent men and women who flew and created them.
What‘s Included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Transportation to/from attractions
Guided commentary unless requested.
Food and drink.
Meeting points
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
14 Rosina Corlett Lane, Via Aerodrome Road Blenheim New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Self-Guided Combo Entry Only
Includes entry to both the Knights of the Sky & Dangerous Skies Exhibitions.
Reviews
96 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take your time, don't...
David C,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Take your time, don't rush through. There is so much detail you probably need 2 or 3 visits to really notice everything.
Brilliant museum don’t miss
judithvb,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic aviation museum even for those not into planes. The reconstructed scenes and memorabilia made the experience come alive.
A Great Display albeit Spoilt by poor customer service
C1645OGrossd,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The Omaka Aviation Hertiage WW1 /WW2 exhibitions are magnificent alot of the planes are presented in action mode which is brilliant to experience and alot of the items are genuine artefacts from those periods unfortunately my experience was spoilt in the WW2 display by one obnoxious attendant who was just rude and prevented me from entering the control tower display with no explanation !! Just said your not going on it when clearly other patrons were experiencing it totally spoilt our visit and our day unfortunately
AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY THROUGH EARLY YEARS OF FLIGHT
oz12358,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible collection of planes and memorabilia highlighting the advances in aviation in 2 world wars. The exhibition is complemented by personal stories and items. Anyone who travels near Blenheim and does not take the time to go here misses a superb exhibition
Amazing museum don’t miss this one
judithvb,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing museum. Not a big aircraft fan but the reconstructions and excellent photos brought everything alive.
Amazing exhibitions, highly recommended
Natmarsbar,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The museum had an amazing display of so much WW1 and WW2 memorabilia, some in great condition. It was really interesting to see everything and the displays were entertaining, you can see a lot of thought has gone into the best way to show the planes and other items to the public. It was great to go outside in-between viewing each of the exhibitions and see some of the planes flying. The cafe service was a bit slow and it was really noisy in there, but that didn't really detract from our enjoyment of the day.
World Class museum
Oscardog16,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent display of vintage military aircraft and artefacts. It is displayed in two adjoining hangars dealing with the first and second world wars. You can buy a ticket for either area or a combo ticket that gives access to both. It is not just a static display of aircraft but also tells the story of the development of each aircraft and of the experiences of members of both sides of the conflicts. Providing parts of their biography and displaying some of their personal possessions. We spent approximately 3 hours at the Centre and highly recommend the experience. There is a lot to see and read, and you could easily more time there. We would have preferred to visit the two exhibits on separate days, but the combo ticket states you must complete them on the same day.
Superb Presentation
allischarming,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great collection including some originals and some excellent replicas. Imaginative presentation as befits a top film maker. There is also a fantastic collection of uniforms, curiosities and all sorts of artefacts of both wars. Very close to Blenheim so not to be missed.
Omaha heritage plane museum
mdc12963,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's s really interesting museum in Blenheim with lots of world War 2 and world War 2 aircraft. It has lots of infomation about some of the pilots and planes and I understand that Peter jackson owns lots of them. It's well worth a visit for under 50 dollars for both exerbitions and their is a cafe there as well. There were quite a lot of people there as it was raining and there ard guides that you can talk to for infomation on things
So Much More than Just an Exhibition
CWW190763,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Heard about the Omaka Centre by chance from someone we we were talking to in Napier, and seeing how close the Centre was when we flew in to Blenheim, decided to visit. Both the WWI and WW2 exhibitions are impressive, but Sir Peter Jackson's WW1 collection is particularly engaging - the way the aircraft are displayed and the models used really bring the history to life. Very engaging and well worth a visit, even for a non-aviation fanatic like me - would definitely recommend.
From NZ$49.00
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Operated by Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre