Bucket list experience:
Stanislav Fosenbauer
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.
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.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
South Islands, New Zealand
A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.
