|
|  |
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
|
|
Museum
- Blenheim
|
More Information and Bookings
|
Located at Marlborough's historically significant Omaka Aerodrome, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Designed to fascinate, educate and inspire visitors of all ages, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre brings history to life in a spectacular presentation of static and flyable aircraft.
In Stage One of the Omaka AHC you will be transported back to an era of aviation chivalry - when the Knights of the Sky jousted above the clouds on horses of cloth and wire. You'll learn about some of the famous aviation aces and marvel at the early aircraft in which they braved the skies.
Our dramatic presentation of some of the world's rarest WW1 aircraft and aviation memorabilia will leave you breathless.
Located in Marlborough just minutes from the centre of Blenheim we are open daily, (except for Christmas and Boxing Day holidays) and promise an enthralling experience for all.
Omaka's first exhibition, "Knights of the Sky", occupies some 3,000 sqm of purpose-built display area. It comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War 1 aircraft and rare memorabilia, including a mix of dramatically staged static displays along with flyable planes.
The collection on display is managed by the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, which is chaired by film director Peter Jackson, and has been brought to life in a series of theatrical dioramas constructed with the artistic talent and technical expertise of some of New Zealand's most talented storytellers.
The extensive dioramas take you back to a time long gone and almost forgotten when the harshness and cruelty of the war in the trenches contrasted with the chivalry and bravado of the war in the air. When SE5as and Fokker Triplanes went head to head; the steeds of these latter day knights of the air jousting for survival.
This spectacular multi-sensory experience, enhanced with special effects lighting is designed to be both educational and entertaining for all ages.
There is also an enthralling collection of artefacts and personal items belonging to some of the most famous aviators on both sides of the conflict.In a separate area, adjacent to a diorama of Manfred von Richthofen's ( The Red Baron ) crashed Fokker Triplane, is a display of the actual fabric cross, cut from the starboard side of his famous red Triplane. With it are other items salvaged from the aircraft and his own monogrammed handkerchief.
The Aviation Heritage Centre was born of a love of aviation, an appreciation of its role in history and recognition of its value to our future.
It began with a resurgence of heritage aviation interest in Marlborough in the late 1990's when a group of enthusiasts imported two Chinese Nanchang trainers and established the Marlborough Warbirds Association as a way to foster interest and provide a social network of support.
The sound of the Nanchang's radial engines was heard over Blenheim drawing curious spectators and, increasingly, other heritage aircraft. As word of the growing range and rarity of aircraft stored at Omaka spread, tourists also began knocking on the hangar doors.
At this point, in 1997, a small group of aircraft owners and enthusiasts got together to discuss the means by which these aircraft could be made accessible to the public. That vision has taken shape as a permanent "living" centre of aviation heritage designed to fascinate, educate and inspire visitors of all ages, while forming the nucleus for a broader centre of aviation excellence including: aircraft restoration/painting/upholstery, vintage/warbird experience flights - even whole aircraft manufacture.
Omaka is one of Marlborough's major visitor attractions - offering a captivating experience for the whole family.
|
Address
P O Box 641
79 Aerodrome Rd
Blenheim
Marlborough
|
Click Here for More Information and Bookings
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Copthorne Hotel Marlborough - Hotel - Central Location.
Featuring a laidback atmosphere of the Pacific, relaxed Pacific-style rooms and the lush subtropical courtyard, the...
Windhawk Helicopters - Air Tour - Blenheim.
Windhawk Helicopters offers professional scenic and commercial flight services within the Marlborough region of New...
