Country's biggest army museum base gateway to Ruapehu District

And standing guard at the southern gateway is the 'must see' Waiouru Army Museum.

For 44 years, the fortress like Museum has hosted holidaymakers and travellers passing through the small town of Waiouru at the base of Mt Ruapehu.

There’s no better place to take time out for a pit stop, hot food and a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s military history.

The museum’s Marketing and Visitor Experience Manager, Nicola Bennet, says a visit to the Army Museum has wide appeal, catering for family groups, students, budding historians and has become increasingly popular as interest in our military history grows.

“Family history research is huge these days and we have an amazing research library and archives available along with service records. We’re happy to help people interpret those.”

Family groups with children are well catered for Nicola says, “There’s a purpose-built Kids HQ with lots of interactive play. Kids can try on uniforms and enjoy playing in the various fortifications and even climb aboard a replica Unimog truck.”

The Taonga Trail, a new activity, keeps the younger ones amused while adults explore more complex exhibits. The trail involves having to find difficult things and answer questions about artefacts and is proving very popular.

The Death Ship – a Fateful Journey has been very popular, but due to COVID restrictions many who want to, haven't been able to visit. As a result it’s likely to be extended through until December.

It tells the story of a troop ship in 1918 carrying reinforcements to Plymouth towards the end of the war.

The ship stopped at Sierra Leone in Africa to load supplies, but unknown to those onboard, also took onboard a flu virus which was killing locals.

In the two weeks it took to get to Plymouth, 90% of those onboard, had been infected. Twenty three people died.

FAQ’s Prices: Family (2 adults and school age children) $35 Adults $15 Students and Seniors $10 There are also daily guided tours for a few extra dollars. The Mess Tent cafe open 9 – 4 daily.