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National Army Museum

Taupo & the Ruapehu Region

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At the southern end of the town, in a large, almost-Stalinist concrete castle, is the National Army Museum. Proclaimed as ‘history without the boring bits’, it's actually a serious and fascinating journey through NZ’s military history, including the New Zealand Wars. It houses an impressive collection of artillery, tanks, landing craft, uniforms and memorabilia in moving displays.

The on-site cafe is open 9am to 4pm. For a truly memorable visit, attend the dawn service on Anzac Day (25 April).

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

  • Mt Ruapehu

    Mt Ruapehu

    14.8 MILES

    Mt Ruapehu (2797m) is the North Island's highest mountain and one of the world’s most active volcanoes. One year-long eruption began in March 1945,…

  • Lake Rotokura

    Lake Rotokura

    8.8 MILES

    For some peaceful moments away from the mountains, consider a walk to this bush-smothered lake, the centrepiece of the Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve,…

  • Mt Ngauruhoe

    Mt Ngauruhoe

    22.34 MILES

    Northeast of Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe (2287m) is the national park's youngest volcano and the most classically perfect in its conical shape. Its first…

  • Mt Tongariro

    Mt Tongariro

    24.31 MILES

    Ongoing rumbles are reminders that all the volcanoes in this area are very much in the land of the living. In 2012 Te Maari, a crater on Mt Tongariro …

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Nearby Taupo & the Ruapehu Region attractions

1. Lake Rotokura

8.8 MILES

For some peaceful moments away from the mountains, consider a walk to this bush-smothered lake, the centrepiece of the Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve,…

2. Mt Ruapehu

14.8 MILES

Mt Ruapehu (2797m) is the North Island's highest mountain and one of the world’s most active volcanoes. One year-long eruption began in March 1945,…

3. Big Carrot

14.86 MILES

Maybe not so much 'Don't Miss' as 'Impossible to Miss', this roadside tribute to Ōhakune's biggest crop was erected in 1984. Carrots were first grown in…

4. Mt Ngauruhoe

22.34 MILES

Northeast of Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe (2287m) is the national park's youngest volcano and the most classically perfect in its conical shape. Its first…

8. Mt Tongariro

24.31 MILES

Ongoing rumbles are reminders that all the volcanoes in this area are very much in the land of the living. In 2012 Te Maari, a crater on Mt Tongariro …