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FAQ

What are the opening hours and admission prices?

The National Army Museum is open every day except Christmas Day from 9:00 am to 4:30pm.

We offer three visitor experiences:

Self-Guided Experience – Explore at your own pace
• Adult $15 | Child (school age) $5 | Child Under 5 free | Senior/Student $10 | Family $35 (2 Adults + 4 children)

Express Experience – Includes 20 minute guided tour + Museum entry
• Adult $17 | Child (school age) $7 | Senior/Student $12 | Family $40

Premium Experience – Includes 1hour guided tour (our most popular option) + entry
• Adult $19 | Child (school age) $9 | Senior/Student $14 | Family $48

All experiences include entry to our museum galleries and exhibitions, as well as the Kids HQ.

The average visitor spends 1-1.5 hours at the museum, though many stay longer. We
recommend allowing:

• Self-guided visit: 1-2 hours
• Express experience: 1-1.5 hours (includes 20-min guided tour)
• Premium experience: 1.5-2 hours (includes 1-hour guided tour)

If you’re particularly interested in military history or have family connections you would like to research, plan for 2-3 hours so you have plenty of time to look around the Museum, visit the Research Library, browse the gift shop and have a coffee and bite to eat in The Mess Tent cafe.

 

We’re located in Ruapehu right in the middle of the North Island, half way between Auckland and Wellington. The Museum overlooks the active volcanoes of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, and is also very close to the Tongariro National Park.

Our address is: National Army Museum, Corner State Highway One and Hassett Drive,
Waiouru, New Zealand.

Our postal address is: National Army Museum, PO Box 45, Waiouru 4861, New Zealand.

Phone: +64 6 387 6911

By Car: We’re directly on State Highway 1, approximately:
• 20 minutes from Ohakune
• 1.5 hours from Taupō
• 1.5 hours from Palmerston North
• 3 hours from Wellington
• 4.5 hours from Auckland

Plenty of free parking is available on-site for cars, buses, and campervans.

By Bus: Intercity buses travel through Waiouru several times a day. https://www.intercity.co.nz/north-island-buses

Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible.

We provide:
• Wheelchair access throughout the museum.
• Accessible parking spaces near the entrance.
• Accessible restroom and toilet.
• Lift access to all levels.
• Sensory-friendly options including a downloadable sensory floor plan.
• Sensory floor studs and railing to assist with vision impaired.
• Wheelchairs are also available for visitor’s use whilst at the Museum.

Contact us at +64 6 387 6911 if you have specific accessibility requirements.

The Mess Tent cafe – An army themed café. Enjoy refreshments and light meals with views of the majestic Mount Ruapehu. Open daily 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Kids HQ – Military themed interactive play space for children, with hands-on activities and dress-up opportunities.

Military Research Centre – Comprehensive military research library and archives. The Kippenberger Research Library is free to visit and is open during the week. The Archives is by appointment only. Please contact us and let us know you are coming through or to make an appointment.

Museum Gift Shop – Purchase a souvenir of remembrance at The Quartermaster Store. Offering unique military-themed gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Free WiFi is available throughout the museum.

Picnic Areas – There are several outdoor picnic tables for families and groups both at the front and back of the Museum building.

Coach Parking – The Museum has dedicated parking for tour buses and large groups in the back car park of the Museum.

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the Museum except in the Museum’s café, The Mess Tent.

However, you can:

  • Enjoy refreshments at The Mess Tent café.
  • Use our outdoor picnic areas.
  • Store items in our secured visitor cupboards.

Our exhibitions tell the story of New Zealand’s military history and show how history has shaped our identity as a country and our place in the world. The Museum is also a memorial to all men and women of our armed forces who have died on active service for New Zealand.

Medal Repository and Valour Alcove – home to New Zealand’s most comprehensive collection of military medals and Victoria Crosses (New Zealand’s highest gallantry award).

Weapons and Equipment – a look at technology through the ages from historic firearms, uniforms, and military technology spanning over 150 years. The National Army Museum has New Zealand’s most extensive collection of weapons.

Military Vehicles and Artillery – a selection of military vehicles and artillery used by New Zealand can be found on display. There are also several tanks and an APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) located directly in front of the Museum. The rest of the Museum’s vehicle collection is in storage but comes out from time to time for special events like Anzac Day (25 April).

The Museum has dedicated galleries to cover all the major conflicts New Zealand has been involved in including: NZ Wars, Anglo-Boer War, WWI (Samoa, Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine, the Western Front), WWII (Hitler Youth, Greece, Crete, North Africa, the Homefront, Italy, the Pacific), Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, and Contemporary New Zealand Defence Force operations and Peacekeeping including Afghanistan.

We also have several special interest displays including: Prisoner of War, WWI Trench Art, Medical, Army Chaplains, Japanese Prisoners of War at Featherston Camp in NZ, Jayforce, evolution of weapons and the Medal Repository.

Interactive Displays – Touch screens, audio stories, and hands-on experiences are available throughout the Museum.

Kids HQ –interactive fun play space for families located inside the Museum galleries.

Temporary Exhibitions – Rotating displays featuring special collections and

commemorative themes.

Yes, we house several nationally significant artefacts and collections including:

  • The Queen’s Scarf – 1 of 8 scarves hand crocheted by Her Majesty Queen Victoria as gallantry awards for colonial contingents who served in South Africa. This was the only one awarded to a New Zealander, Trooper Henry Donald Coutts in 1913.
  • Victoria Cross Collection – The Victoria Cross is New Zealand’s highest military decoration and the Museum holds 13 of these including Captain Charles Upham VC & Bar. Upham is 1 of 3 worldwide, and the only infantry soldier, to ever have been awarded the Victoria Cross twice. The Museum also holds a NZ Cross, an Albert Medal and 2 George Cross in its Valour Alcove of the Medal Repository.
  • Prisoner of War Artefacts – Personal items and stories from POW camps.
  • Women in Military Service – personal items highlighting women’s contributions to New Zealand’s military history.
  • 28 Māori Battalion display and Te Rau Aroha the canteen truck that travelled alongside the 28 Battalion during WWII.
  • Gus the horse – a large taxidermy horse representing all those who left NZ and served in the Anglo Boer and First World Wars, most of which never came home.
  • Evolution of Firearms collection – New Zealand’s most extensive range of military firearms through the ages.

Absolutely! We’re very family-friendly. Our most popular area for families is the Kids HQ, a dedicated interactive play area for children.

We also offer with Museum entry:

  • Authentic Army uniform dress-up
  • Interactive games and puzzles
  • Activity sheets and treasure hunts
  • Child-friendly historical displays

Family-Friendly Tours – Our guides adapt content to suit the audience.

School Holiday Programmes – We off special activities during school holidays and long weekends.

Children under 5 visit free, and all our family tickets provide excellent value.

Video and photography are permitted in all places within the Museum unless explicitly specified within a display.

Yes! We’re passionate about education and offer comprehensive curriculum linked programmes. We receive funding from the Ministry of Education to deliver learning experiences outside the classroom.

Curriculum-Linked Programmes aligned with Aotearoa New Zealand curriculum. We offer a wide range of programmes to suit the students needs and each visit is designed to suit the specific group. We cater to Early Childhood, Kura Kaupapa Māori, Primary School (Years 1 to 8) and Secondary Schools (Years 9 to 13).

Some of our most popular programmes are:

  • Museum Tour – reflect on our conflict has shaped our nation.
  • Aotearoa Our Whakapapa, Our Stories – looking at how New Zealand’s social history has been defined by the years following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Waitangi and the subsequent NZ Wars.
  • Primary Sources – we have a wide range of primary sources from our Archives targeted at secondary students studying history and events of significance to New Zealanders.
  • Gallipoli Medics – students will gain a deeper understanding of the Gallipoli campaign and explore how technology and science have improved medical treatment for soldiers.
  • Survival of a Soldier | Rations – looks at the importance of food for the soldier both historically and today. Students cook and eat an authentic modern soldier’s 24 hour ration pack.

Booking Process:

  1. Check out our various programmes on the Schools page of our website.
  2. Contact our Education Team by email or on +64 6 387 6911.
  3. Discuss your needs and what you would like to get out of your visit – learning outcomes, curriculum links, group size, special needs.
  4. We will design a purpose built programme to suit your requirements.
  5. Confirm dates and logistics.

What’s Included:

  • Pre-visit resources and preparation materials.
  • Professional teacher led programmes – we have fully registered teachers on staff.
  • Post-visit follow-up resources and outreach.
  • Free teacher preview visits.

It depends on what programme you are doing but generally a visit with Museum entry and bespoke educational programme costs $7 per student. If cooking and eating an authentic Ration Pack additional costs may apply.

Yes, we have created a large number of resources for teachers and students back in the classroom. These can be found on the Schools page or accessed by contacting our Teachers directly.

Absolutely! Whether you are researching your own family connections or New Zealand’s military history, we have one of the leading military research centres in New Zealand.

We can help you locate the information you need (like regimental number, rank, unit etc.) to request a copy of a service personnel record. Once you have a copy of the service record, we can provide recommended reading and assist you with the following:

  • Interpreting and understanding your soldier’s service record
  • Researching military operations, movements, campaigns, dates, maps etc. that relate to the unit your soldier fought with
  • Nominal rolls, rolls of honour, and medal rolls

For service personnel records prior to 1920 contact Archives NZ, and for all records from 1920 onwards contact NZDF Personnel Archives.

Phone: +64 6 387 6911 to book an appointment or to speak to our Research Team.

Email: You can email us via our enquiry form here.

In-Person: Our Kippenberger Research Library is open 5 days a week:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday:00am to 4.00pm
  • Wednesdays:30am to 4.00pm

Bring along any information you already have (names, dates, units etc.), and a notebook and pen for taking notes.

Access to the Kippenberger Research Library is free. Fees are charged for research carried out by staff and photocopying services.

  • Photocopying: $0.50 per A4 page; $1.00 per A3 page
  • Staff-assisted research: if you require staff to conduct research on your behalf, a fee of $20.00 per half hour will be charged

Absolutely! Our Kippenberger Military Archive holds military museum material from 1840 to the present day, and covers all theatres of war the New Zealand Army has been involved in, including peacekeeping missions.

  • Personal diaries, memoirs and letters
  • Records of certain Veteran Associations
  • Photographs and photo albums (this includes the official WWI & WWII Photographic Collections)
  • Artworks
  • Oral histories
  • Newspapers
  • Troopship and unit magazines
  • Maps and plans
  • Ephemera
  • Philatelic collections
  • Souvenirs and postcards
  • Military sheet music
  • Military training and technical manuals/pamphlets

We are fortunate to hold an extensive collection of manuals and pamphlets, dating back to the 19th century from countries including Britain, America, Australia, Germany, Russia, Japan, Italy, and of course New Zealand.

Our Kippenberger Military Archive is open Monday to Friday by appointment only. To make an appointment or research enquiry please contact Caitlin Timmer-Arends, Collection and Exhibitions Manager. Please try to be as specific as possible about what you are looking for.

Yes, we can help you remotely, although some services can only be accessed in-person. Please email us with your research questions and we can help you from there.

The Museum also has a searchable website on Recollect which contains our entire WWI photographic collection. You will find it here. (https://nam.recollect.co.nz/ )

Thank you for considering us as the home for your precious taonga. If you would like to gift an item to the Museum’s collection please follow the process outlined under Leave a Legacy.

Yes. Visitors are welcome to view objects not on display. You will, however, require an appointment made in advance with the appropriate collection staff member. Without prior notice, delays or the inability to assist may occur.

We have 3 main commemorative events each year. These include:

  • Purple Poppy Day 24th February – Honouring all animals who have served alongside our armed forces in times of conflict. On this day each year at 11.00am we host a public War Animal Memorial Service.
  • Anzac Day 25th April – Honouring the service and sacrifice of our armed forces in the service of this country with an 11.00am civic service directly outside the Museum in front of the flag station. Our service is fully supported by the NZ Army and therefore has all the military ceremony that makes it extra poignant. The timing of the service is perfect for those travelling or away from home and unable to make a dawn service. We also host other commemorative activities to mark the occasion over the course of the day.
  • Armistice Day 11th November – to mark Remembrance Day and the end of WWI we host a 11.00am remembrance service at Roimata Pounamu Tears on Greenstone memorial inside the Museum.

Yes, we offer special deals and packages for booked groups of 10 or more. Depending on how much time you have we can book you in for a full guided experience, lunch and even a sneak look behind the scenes into areas normally closed to the public (subject to availability).

The Museum has a large collection of artefacts stored in specially designed spaces where curators work to research background information and to ensure items are stored and cared for in the best possible way ready for future display and exhibitions.

To enquire about a package please contact us here. Make sure you include as many details about your group, when you would like to visit, how much time you have and any interests so we can tailor an offer to suit.

Practical Information

Waiouru has a couple low budget motels and a quality Bed & Breakfast. The Museum is located just 20 minutes from popular tourist town Ohakune which has an extensive range of accommodation options, cafes, restaurants and things to do. We recommend visiting www.visitruapehu.com for more information on what the region has to offer.

Waiouru accommodation:

  • Tawhiri 3 Bedroom Cottage
  • Waiouru Welcome Inn
  • Roadside Motel

Nearby Towns:

  • Ohakune (20 minutes) – Tourist town with range of accommodation, cafes, restaurants and gateway to many attractions including the Tongariro National Park and the Whanganui National Park. See www.visitruapehu.com.
  • Taihape (20 minutes) – Rural town with accommodation options
  • Turangi (45 minutes) and Taupō 1.5 hours – Lake Taupō area with accommodation and attractions. See www.lovetaupo.com.

Waiouru is perfectly positioned for exploring Central North Island.

The Museum’s gift shop is called The Quartermaster Store. It sells a range of military memorabilia and gifts:

  • Military-themed books and publications
  • Military badges, pins, patches, replica medals and insignia
  • Gifts and Collectibles
  • Art and ceramics
  • Clothing and accessories

The Museum also has an online shop https://shop.armymusum.co.nz/ :

  • Browse and purchase items online.
  • Shipping is available throughout New Zealand and to most international destinations.

Visit our shop during your visit or browse online at shop.armymuseum.co.nz

All enquiries can be made through our online contact form here. Once your enquiry is received, the appropriate staff member will be in touch.

If you know the person you are trying to reach please specify on the enquiry form.

  • Director– Cherie Meecham
  • Marketing – Nicola Bennett
  • Collection – Caitlin Timmer-Arends
  • Artefact donation– Caitlin Timmer-Arends
  • Archives – Caitlin Timmer-Arends
  • Research Library – Lucy Alabaster
  • Education– Pare Bennett
  • Gift Shop – Sheryl Donald
  • The Mess Tent Café – Natasha De Souza

Postal Address:      

National Army Museum Te Mata Toa      

PO Box 45

Waiouru 4861                                              

New Zealand

Physical Address:

National Army Museum Te Mata Toa

Cnr SH1 & Hassett Drive

Waiouru 4861

New Zealand

Stay Connected via:

  • Website: www.armymuseum.co.nz – regularly updated with news and events
  • Facebook: Follow us for daily updates and historical content
  • Instagram: Behind-the-scenes content and historical photos

Visit the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa – Where New Zealand’s military history comes alive.

We’d Love to Hear From You

From museum visits to research support, our team is ready to assist you on your journey through New Zealand’s military history.

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