The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, New Zealand, has announced plans for a major expansion that will significantly increase exhibition space, provide a home for additional historic aircraft, and establish one of the country’s most distinctive event venues. The New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust (NZAMT) confirmed that planning is officially underway for a substantial extension to the internationally acclaimed museum, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its mission to preserve and present aviation history. At the heart of the project is a major expansion of the Centre’s award-winning Dangerous Skies exhibition. The new addition will effectively double the size of the World War II gallery, creating space for additional aircraft, artifacts, and immersive displays while allowing the museum to explore new stories from aviation history.
Since opening in 2006, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has gained worldwide recognition for its theatrical exhibitions, developed in collaboration with filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson and WingNut Films. The museum’s displays combine rare aircraft with life-sized figures and dramatic sets created by Wētā Workshop, making it one of New Zealand’s premier aviation attractions. Beyond the expanded exhibition space, the project will add approximately 3,000 square meters (32,300 square feet) of new facilities. The additional space is expected to become a significant asset for the Marlborough region, serving as a unique venue for conferences, corporate functions, and special events. Once complete, the facility will be capable of hosting up to 700 guests—or 500 seated delegates—allowing visitors to dine and attend events surrounded by historic warbirds.
(Image credit: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre)
“We are delighted with this outcome, and the opportunity to extend Dangerous Skies as both another hall full of great aviation exhibits and stories and a unique event venue,” said NZAMT Chairman Brian Greenall. Construction of the new building has been made possible through generous private funding, which will cover the cost of the facility and its supporting infrastructure. However, the Trust noted that fundraising efforts will continue to finance the interior fit-out that will transform the new hall into the immersive experience for which Omaka has become internationally known.
(Image credit: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre)
The museum plans to direct all proceeds from the 2027 Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Airshow, scheduled for March 26–28, toward the expansion project. The Trust is also inviting additional donors and corporate sponsors to support the creation of the theatrical sets, specialized lighting, and interactive exhibits that have become hallmarks of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. While construction timelines have not yet been announced, the expansion represents one of the most significant developments in the museum’s history. Once completed, it will not only allow the Centre to display more of its growing collection but also strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading aviation museums and an important destination for both heritage tourism and business events. For more information about the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, visit www.omaka.org.nz.
(Image credit: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre)
