New Zealand Rugby Museum

New Zealand Rugby Museum

3 Rankers Reviews

3 Face-to-Face

20 Palmerston North

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New Zealand Rugby Museum

The sport that shaped a nation. How did rugby come to play such an important role in the culture and heritage of New Zealand, and why are the All Blacks so good?

Explore the rich history and folklore of the nation’s game, see some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts, and learn about some of our rugby greats. You can get active by testing your rugby skills in the dedicated “Have A Go” area and measure yourself against the best.

The museum is a great place for the whole family. For those wanting to learn about the history of New Zealand rugby and know some early All Black stories, the displays are conveniently arranged in chronological order around the walls. The objects gathered by the museum over the years are rich and diverse. There is a walking stick of Charles Monro, ‘father of New Zealand rugby’, and a boot of legendary All Black Don Clarke that has Lancaster Park dirt on it, sent to the museum with instructions that it never be cleaned. Further along is George Nepia’s All Blacks cap and the white All Blacks jersey adopted in 1930 when the Lions wore navy blue.
Many of the cabinets have TV screens that show footage of rugby from that decade, the earliest from 1905.

For those wanting a more energetic museum visit there is an indoor activity area in which sprinting speed and tackling speed can be measured. Run in the footsteps of All Blacks such as Aaron Cruden and Aaron Smith. There is a goal-kicking activity as well where the posts move to replicate tricky side-line attempts. Those who want to get physical can pack down like Keven Mealamu and Charlie Faumuina against the scrum machine. The current record holder is an international rugby prop from Georgia who managed an incredible 498kg.

The big screen has rugby on all day. If it’is highlights you’re after, ask the attendant – soon you could be reliving the Christian Cullen- Jeff Wilson era.

Thousands from all over the world have had their photograph taken in front of the gigantic Haka wall, with the All Blacks in the background. There is also a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs as you leave.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

New Zealand Rugby Museum

Non-profit organisation

Location

North IslandManawatu - WanganuiPalmerston North

Categories

  • Activity__cultural_experiencesCultural Experiences
  • Activity__museums_and_galleriesMuseums and Galleries

Operating Times

Open every day, 10am – 5pm

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-40.3580894055313

175.607841515541

Latitude
-40.3580894055313
Longitude
175.607841515541

Nearby

Reviews

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    10/10 1
    33%
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    7/10 2
    67%
    6/10 0
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    5/10 0
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    4/10 0
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  • 3.5/5

    I am fond of rugby and I spent three hours in this small museum.

    It is very interesting but I would not recommend it for someone who does not enjoy this sport.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago

  • 3.5/5

    Nice to learn about the number one sport in New Zealand.

    Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012

  • 5.0/5

    Very informative, loads of memorabilia.

    Reviewed almost 17 years ago