Knights of the Sky Blenheim: WWI Aircraft & Artifacts

Rare aircraft and personal artifacts from the Great War, staged in cinematic sets

Knights of the Sky is a self-guided or guided tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, showcasing Sir Peter Jackson's collection of World War One aircraft and memorabilia. The exhibition uses sets designed by WingNut Films and Wētā Workshop to place the machines in historical context, including recreations of actual wartime incidents. Guided commentary in English is available on request. The visit takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how long you spend with each display.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Knights of the Sky exhibition

• Arrive at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
• Explore Knights of the Sky exhibition
• View World War One aircraft and artifacts
• See cinematic scenes by WingNut Films
• Discover rare memorabilia including trench art
• Take self-guided or requested guided tour

The experience

Forty-five minutes to two hours inside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre takes you through the Knights of the Sky exhibition, which tells the story of aviation development during World War One through both the machines and the people who flew and maintained them. The centerpiece is Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of rare aircraft, but the exhibition goes beyond hardware: personal items belonging to the Red Baron, handcrafted trench art, and other memorabilia sit alongside the planes, each one a window into the lives of the men and women of the war.

What sets this apart from a typical aircraft museum is the staging. WingNut Films and Wētā Workshop (the same teams behind Jackson's film productions) created cinematic scenes that place each aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an actual incident from the war. You move through these sets at your own pace on a self-guided tour, or you can request a guided tour with live commentary in English to dig deeper into the stories behind what you're seeing. The exhibition suits everyone, not just aviation enthusiasts: the visual storytelling and the human detail make it accessible whether you're there for the engineering or the history.

The centre is wheelchair accessible throughout, with all areas and surfaces accommodating mobility devices. Prams and strollers work for infants and small children. Service animals are welcome. If you need a break, food, drink and souvenirs are available for purchase on-site. The centre is closed Christmas Day, and warm clothing is recommended during winter months.

What’s included

• Self-guided or guided tour of the Knights of the Sky exhibition.
• access to Sir Peter Jackson's World War One aircraft collection and rare memorabilia.
• cinematic sets and historical recreations created by WingNut Films and Wētā Workshop.
• live guide commentary in English on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Is this one for you?If you prefer to move through at your own pace and absorb the displays without narration, the self-guided option works well. Request a guide if you want live commentary in English to deepen the stories behind the aircraft and artifacts.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

Can I take a guided tour of the Knights of the Sky exhibition, or is it self-guided only?

Guided tours are available on request with live commentary in English. You can also explore the exhibition at your own pace without a guide.

What exactly is in the Knights of the Sky exhibition?

The exhibition features Sir Peter Jackson's collection of World War One aircraft, rare memorabilia including items belonging to the Red Baron, handcrafted trench art, and personal artifacts from soldiers. Cinematic sets created by WingNut Films recreate historical scenes and incidents from the war to show the aircraft in context.

How long does the Knights of the Sky exhibition take to see?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how much time you spend with each display and whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own.

Is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Prams and strollers are also suitable for infants and small children throughout the centre.

What should I bring or know before visiting?

Warm clothing is recommended during winter months. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site. The centre is closed Christmas Day. Service animals are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult.