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Visitor Information

Gettinghere

Getting to the National Army Museum by Road

If you’re looking for Ruapehu activities / accommodation, or places to visit in New Zealand, the National Army Museum in Waiouru is an excellent day out.

Our central location makes us easy to get to. Situated on the main road between Auckland and Wellington, the museum’s impressive fortress-like building sits at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the Desert Road and the southern end of Tongariro National Park. Whether travelling north or south, a more scenic and highly-recommended alternative route north can also be taken through Ohakune and the National Park around Mt Ruapehu (this connects back up to State Highway 1).

Approximate Drive Times to Waiouru

From Kilometres Hours
Auckland 423 5.0
Hamilton 267 3.5
Rotorua 196 2.5
Taupo 114 1.5
Ohakune 30 0.5
Palmerston North 135 1.5
Wanganui 127 2.0
Wellington 264 3.5

Getting to the National Army Museum by Bus

InterCity Coachlines provides a daily service departing both Auckland and Wellington via Waiouru.

For timetable information and bookings please contact the Ruapehu i-SITE Visitor Information Centre by phoning +64 6 387 5279 or 0800 RUAPEHU (bookings only).

Getting to the National Army Museum by Air

There are 2 domestic airports – Palmerston North and Taupo – within 1.5 hours of Waiouru and Air New Zealand offers domestic flights to both.

For great Waiouru attractions you can’t beat the National Army Museum.