Taupo Regional Museum & Art Gallery

Storey Place, Taupo

Highlights of this museum include fascinating photos of the early days, and a permanent art collection which focuses on the Taupo region. Regular exhibitions feature local and out-of-town artists.

Open 7 days from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Entry free.

Army Memorial Museum

State Highway 1, Waiouru

From the colonial N.Z. wars to the Vietnam conflict of the 1960s, from the trenches of Gallipoli to the jungles of Malaya - the combat service of New Zealanders is honoured at this museum. The entrance features "tears in greenstone". The names of the war dead are continuously intoned while a veild of water descends over a wall of greenstone symbolising cleansing and the tears of a nation. Also features realistic displays. Highly recommended.

Open 7 days from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Rations Cafe open daily.

Frank Nola's Timber Museum

River Road, Taumaranui

The highlight of this museum is a chance to see examples of the Dactylanthus or wood rose which is unique to the central plateau.

Open by appointment. Entry free. Ph 07 896 6846.

Waimarino Museum

Seddon Street, Raetihi

Housed in the old Raetihi Railway Station is a huge collection of memorabilia, early pioneering items and fscinating early photographs of the region.