Real New Zealand Festival at Omaka

Throughout September and October Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the adjoining airfield will be a local centre of activity, with entertainment on the ground and in the air.

Inside, the Knights of the Sky exhibition will deliver a priceless experience. Twenty-one aircraft from the Great War can be seen within the museum, displayed in a manner that has been described as amongst the best in the world.

Tribute to All Blacks in the Great War

Of course with everyone thinking rugby, Omaka has also given special tribute to the All Blacks.Thirteen All Blacks fought and died in the Great War, including such famous names as Dave Gallaher, captain of the 'Originals', who was killed at Passchendaele in 1917. We will have a special board on display, detailing their rugby background in New Zealand and where they served overseas.

Special Russian Theming

With Marlborough hosting the Russian rugby team, it was decided to make them feel especially welcome by painting a number of aircraft in Russian schemes.

There will be a full-size replica Morane G installed in the foyer. This was a type flown by top scoring Ace, Alexander Kozakov who, not having the benefit of a machine gun at this time, wielded a grappling hook and explosives in the hope of disabling enemy aircraft. Having failed in that attempt he resorted to ramming the aircraft .. and lived to tell the tale!

Two WW1 Nieuport replicas will sport colourful Russian insignia and a WW2 Yak 3 fighter will be on hand to display the flying capabilities of one of the best fighter aircraft of that conflict.

Omaka’s Hawker Hurricane has also been given Russian markings, commemorating the link between our countries when New Zealander Wng Cdr Henry Ramsbottom-Isherwood (who also played rugby for Marlborough) led 151 Wing in assisting the Russians in 1941 by supplying aircraft and training.Hurricane Z5252 was symbolically marked 01 and was presented by Isherwood to the Russian Commander, Major General Kuznetsov as his personal aircraft. Isherwood was later awarded the Order of Lenin, one of only four non-Russians to hold this prestigious award.

Open Days 24 Sept and 8 Oct

If visitors are keen to see some flying activity while visiting, there is sure to be something happening most days,but particularly on 24 September and 8 October. Our members’ vintage aircraft will be out on display, with many taking to the air. We are combining with the Marlborough Aero Club and they will have special deals on trial flights. The 'Friends of the Bristol' will be offering tours of the Bristol Freighter and have promised an engine run or two. There is no charge to view the aircraft outside. There will be food vendors and lunchtime music to enjoy, so come on out and enjoy the fun!

Fun for Children

Children haven’t been forgotten either, with a maze, especialy erected for the Real NZ Festival and even some WW1-style trenches to explore.