Uncover the History at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Recently, family visited from the North Island, and one of the top Blenheim attractions we explored was the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. I had previously only seen the impressive WW1 Knights of the Sky exhibit, so it was wonderful to also experience the WW2 Dangerous Skies exhibit this time. The $49 NZD ticket grants access to both exhibits and is truly worth the price. The knowledgeable hosts share a wealth of information about the planes on display and warmly encourage visitors to bring a smile, take photos, and fully enjoy the experience.
WW1 Knights of the Sky
In December 2006, the opening show, ‘Knights of the Sky,’ was remarkable for its historical value, rarity, and size. It stood out because of the new and engaging way it was shown to the public.
The story of aviation and the ‘Knights of the Sky’ comes alive during World War I. This collection belongs to film director Sir Peter Jackson. Thanks to him, a series of dioramas made by Wingnut Films and lifelike mannequins from Weta Workshop offer a unique museum experience, which opened in 2006. On display are rare items, from finely made ‘trench’ art to personal belongings of famous pilots like the USA’s Eddie Rickenbacker, France’s René Fonck, Germany’s Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen, and Hermann Goering.
WW2 Dangerous Skies
Opened in November 2016, the Dangerous Skies exhibition expands the Omaka experience to World War Two, exploring well-known battles like the Battle of Britain and lesser-known stories from the Eastern Front. It features the world's top female fighter ace, Lydia Litvyak, and the Soviet 588th Night Bombers, famously called the ‘Night Witches’ by the Germans.
Like World War One’s Knights of the Sky, Dangerous Skies shows mannequins made by Weta Workshop and real, static, and flyable planes in big dioramas that capture moments in history.
One of the standout highlights of Dangerous Skies is undoubtedly the Stalingrad Experience, an eight-minute film that powerfully combines multiple technologies to create a highly immersive environment. This film uses CGI—Computer Generated Imagery—which involves artists painstakingly designing and manipulating 3D models, applying realistic textures, carefully configuring lighting, and animating complex scenes manually with specialized computer software. Complementing these visual technologies are laser projectors, surround sound systems, and dynamic lighting effects, all working together to transport visitors into one of the most brutal battles of the Second World War.
Seen by many historians as the decisive turning point of the conflict in Europe, this experience places visitors inside a ruined factory building, looking out on a heavily damaged Stalingrad as it endures relentless bombing campaigns by the Luftwaffe. Following this powerful depiction, visitors are presented with an excerpt from Neil Halloran’s SXSW award-winning, data-driven documentary, which poignantly highlights the scale of the ‘Fallen of the Second World War,’ with a special focus on the devastating losses sustained on the Eastern Front.
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is truly world class, offering an exceptional experience for aviation enthusiasts and visitors alike. Whether you live in Blenheim or are just passing through the area, it is definitely worth setting aside time to explore this remarkable museum. To fully appreciate the exhibits and displays, make sure you allocate at least three hours for your visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.