Had 2 hours here before it closed. When we bought our tickets we were told we could come back on the same ticket anytime over the next year. So we stayed over in our self-contained motorhome and did another hour the next morning, but could have done more if time allowed. What a marvellous history of NZ's part in wars. Having had my Dad and great uncle in WWII and WWI respectively, I found it fascinating watching videos and reading about the battles they endured. There is also a wonderful library there and an archives (need to book an appointment for the latter) and a cafe. Every item has large easy to read text beside it explaining what they are. There are also hand on exhibits. Having the medal examples at the end was a very fitting end. A wonderful facility.
Had a great burger and fries at a very reasonable price at the Cafe. Coffee was great too. Is a great place to stop on a trip north. Heaps of parking and free wi-fi available too.
A great museum covering the history of the NZ Army in detail. The exhibits are very interesting and well displayed. There are always new temporary, themed, exhibitions keeping the experience fresh. The medal room is extremely interesting with some great examples of NZ Victoria Cross winners. To get the most out of the place you will need at least two hours, if not a little more. (Don't take kids in for a quick 30 min stop, they will want to stay for much longer! Plus they get to climb all over the tanks displayed outside.)The cafe is okay, but the food could be better quality, however, the staff are very friendly. Also the shop is a little overpriced; but some interesting items relating to the NZ military. I love the place and this was my fourth visit.
I have been taking my family here for over 20 years so have had a fair number of visits. I am continually impressed by the layout, the exhibits and amount of information available. It draws you in, encloses you in a time capsule and educates you in a way that connects the past with the present. War and defence is not easy to absorb however, it is done with relevance, respect and amazing research. It is a must view then there is the cafe and shop to round of your visit. Well done to the Army Museum staff.
Excellent clearly defined military displays covering WW1 and WWII. Would have liked to have seen more on other wars we have been involved in. Ie, Malaysia, Viet nam, Afghanistan. These were very limited in display format.
Fabulous place to visit and spend a few hours (easily 2-3 hours.) So much history to learn about. Plenty of parking. Cafe was more than adequate, and the souvenir shop was not overpriced. Well worth making the effort.
Museum great as always, but on 24th December we were very disappointed with the café- nachos with virtually no cheese, horrible chicken nuggets, slow service despite not being very busy at 1pm.What a shame, used to be so good.
Fantast place to visit with the kids, very clean and tidy, so much to see and do, it took us two hours and that was a rush!! Cafe is very nice too. Prices wernt too bad. We certaintly learnt a lot
This would have to be one of NZ's finest museums , of any sort. It's people are fantastic, the food is good the souvenir shop is amazing and nothing is too expensive.Make a point of stopping here if you are travelling through, you won't be disappointed.
I called into the Museum during the last school hoilidays and was so glad I did. In addition to the normal outstanding exhibits - on display was a scale model of the Museum's upcoming attraction, a full size Western Front Battle field, complete with trenches, bombed out churches, downed tanks and planes ,. . . . need I go on. When I learned that Sir Peter Jackson was involved in this project it made the experience even more exciting. It was a fabulous model with fantastic detail and added superby to the overall experience of this visit.Capped off with an outstanding coffee and lunch in the Homefires Cafe - what more does a traveller need whilst enroute to Wellington.