South Islands, New Zealand
Destination guide
A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.
Travel bucket list idea:
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand
- https://www.omaka.org.nz
Bucket List Experience
Stanislav Fosenbauer
Last updated: 23 April, 2024
Without the creative genius of Sir Peter Jackson (who donated his private collection), this would be a forgotten aerodrome with a few broken-down old planes.
But Omaka now has the world’s finest collection of WWI aircraft (most of them operational) and an astonishing display of memorabilia, including field uniforms, rare medals and captured German booty. Weta Studio’s recreation of real-life battle scenes is enthralling.
While you're there
Don goggles and experience the Marlborough wine region from the air in a vintage open-cockpit biplane; the aviation heritage centre runs 20-minute vintage joy rides from the Omaka Airfield. Or you could opt for a spin in Yakovlev Yak-3 or Avro Anson Mk.1 fighter planes.
Logistics
Price from: £12
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
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