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How long should I spend at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This gives enough time to see both the WW1 and WW2 aircraft exhibits, enjoy short films, and browse the on-site café and shop.
If you’re a true aviation enthusiast or want to read every display in detail, you might want to allow closer to 4 hours. The exhibitions are rich in content and immersive enough to make time fly by.
Is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre free?
No, the centre charges an entry fee that depends on the exhibitions you visit:
Adults: $49 for both exhibitions
Children (5–14 years): $16 for both exhibitions
Family (2 adults, 4 children): $120
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please check the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s admission page.
How to get to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is about 5 km from Blenheim town centre — just a 5–10 minute drive.
From Picton: 30 minutes south via SH1 — an easy trip if you’re arriving by ferry.
From Nelson: 1 hour 45 minutes south via SH6, a scenic drive through vineyards and hills.
Best time to visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Autumn (March – May): Ideal weather and fewer crowds. It’s also grape harvest season in Marlborough — a perfect time for a combined visit.
Spring (September – November): Blooming landscapes and mild weather, with fewer visitors outside of holiday periods.
Easter Weekend (odd years): Don’t miss the Classic Fighters airshow Blenheim, featuring live displays and reenactments.
Arrive in the morning for the quietest experience. Weekdays outside school holidays are also less crowded.
Weather at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Blenheim has one of New Zealand’s sunniest climates, with warm, dry summers and cool winters. You can comfortably visit the museum any time of year, a bonus for those on a Christchurch to Nelson road trip.
Best place to park your campervan at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
The best place to park your campervan is the on-site car park at the museum. It’s spacious and free to use, with enough room for larger vehicles. The museum entrance is just a short walk from the parking area, making it easy to stop in as part of a wider South Island journey.
Campgrounds near Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
If you’re travelling by campervan and need overnight accommodation, there are several good options in and around Blenheim:
Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park – A family-friendly spot close to the town centre, with powered sites and modern facilities.
Spring Creek Holiday Park – A peaceful riverside park just a short drive north of Blenheim, offering powered sites and a relaxed atmosphere.