A great way to break the drive north or south is a stop at the National Army Museum in Waiouru, New Zealand. The museum is not only a great resource of the parts New Zealand has played in the wars we’ve been involved in but also a great insight into what our soldiers went through in the trenches. You can spend between 1-2 hours or even more here exploring all the exhibitions and learning about New Zealand’s place in wartime at the National Army Museum, Waiouru.
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National Army Museum in Waiouru
If you choose to stop at the National Army Museum in Waiouru, you’re in for an informative visit. The National Army Museum in Waiouru is one of the best I have been to, and even though it is small in size, it packs a punch through its exhibits in painting a picture of war and its ugliness.
Greenstone Memorial
You start off passing through the Greenstone Memorial Wall. I find this a moving part of the museum. Names and service records are read over an audio system as the water trickles down the Greenstone Wall. This signifies the tears of loved ones left behind.
New Zealand Wars
Your first stop is the New Zealand Wars exhibit, which has stories of the time and plenty of history to read up on.
Boer War
In the Boer War exhibit, you will find many treasures, including the scarf crocheted by Queen Victoria and given to one of the 1st New Zealand Contingent soldiers, Trooper Henry Coutts.
Eight scarves were made and given to each Commonwealth country’s bravest soldier during the Second Boer War.
Gus the horse was next, representing between 6600 and 8800 horses sent to South Africa. Only one came back, Major.
A New Year’s gift from Queen Victoria was a box of chocolates. Some of the men ate them, and they threw the tins away, but there is one in the museum still intact. It seems a few men realised how valuable this gift from the Queen was and kept them.
World War One
The most significant exhibit is the one on World War One. The exhibits are moving and informative with dioramas and sets depicting scenes of Gallipoli and the Western Front. Trench Art from the soldiers is on display in a case. Their ingenuity and skills are incredible, considering the resources and conditions they endured. It is one of the most moving parts of the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
World War Two
World War Two was next, with tanks, paratroopers coming down from the ceiling and more interactive models to educate you in an informative way. A POW wooden wall has signatures filled with WW2 POWs. Glass now protects the wall for future generations. Button compasses, clothing and stories are also in this corner of the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
Recent Wars
I found that not only was New Zealand’s part in recent wars exhibited but their peacekeeping contributions as well. Order, decorations and medals are also on display for you to see in the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
You will hear great stories when you visit the National Army Museum in Waiouru. This is one of the best.
One survivor from World War One, Torty the Tortoise, is a female Greek tortoise. As Torty was about to be run over by a French gun carriage, New Zealand stretcher-bearer, Stewart Little, rescued her. He took care of her, repaired her shell and brought her back to New Zealand. Torty has spent a long life in New Zealand, passed down through the Little family generations.
Hours and Tours
Every day except Christmas Day from 9.00 am – 4:30 pm.
Please note the average visitor spends 1-1.5 hours in the museum.
| Express Experience | Premium Experience | |
| (Includes 20-minute guided tour) | (Includes 1 hour guided tour) | |
| Monday to Friday | 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 1.00 pm, 2.30 pm | 11.00 am, 12.30 pm, 2.00 pm |
| Weekends | 10.30 am and 2.30 pm | 11.00 am, 12.30 pm, 2.00 pm |
How To Get Here
The Waiouru National Army Museum is on the corner of State Highway One and Hassett Drive in Waiouru. If you’re travelling down the middle of the North Island, you can’t miss it.
Prices
Please click on the link for prices.
Mobile phones, cameras and handbags are all okay to take in. Any bigger bags can be stored and no food and drinks inside.
A café and gift shop are on the way out and outside the National Army Museum in Waiouru are more tanks, picnic tables and the Animal Memorial for those animals that served.
It is important to realise the history of wars and the parts we play in them, and overall, the National Army Museum in Waiouru showcases the futility of war and is one of the best military museums I have been to.
For all that gave the ultimate sacrifice, we must remember them.
Lest we Forget.
Conclusion
I hope you visit the National Army Museum in Waiouru and enjoy it as much as I did.
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You have done a wonderful job explaining everything on show. How it has grown since I was there years ago. Enjoying all your travels.
I had never been before but if it has grown as much as everything else in New Zealand it will only get bigger and better every year.
What an interesting place – shame we missed it on our trip out there four years ago. We are on a pilgrimage to visit WW1/2 sites. Kx
Thanks Karen. I only went in by chance and was surprised at all they had there. WW1/2 cemeteries in Europe is on my bucket list.