New Zealand Rugby Museum: Revel in Rugby — the Sport that shaped our Nation

Check out the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North, Manawatū, home to New Zealand's most comprehensive collection of memorabilia devoted to the oval ball, along with some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts.

Revel in rugby and its heritage and take a trip back in time and explore the rich history and folklore of our nation's mighty game and learn about our rugby heroes and legends.

Get a feel for the real New Zealand by discovering how our rugby heritage has shaped, and has been shaped, by our country. View the "Rare XV" artefacts — including the first fern, the oldest All Black jersey, the world famous whistle and coin (dating back to 1905 and 1925 respectively).

And if you're feeling physical, test your rugby skills against rugby legends with the kicking, tackling, jumping, pushing and leaping challenges in the interactive area. If the kids are with you, they'll love to imitate their heroes!

After a $2 million upgrade, the musum has relocated to the Te Manawa in the heart of Palmerston North and will comprise of four different zones.

• Rugby Relics: A decade by decade history of Rugby and New Zealand.  Step back in time and see how rugby and New Zealand have shaped each other, forging a national rugby story that’s still being written today. 

• Discovery Library: Access by arrangement. It’s a quiet, contemplative space that allows researchers, historians, or relatives of past identities time to pore over individual collections, or delve into the treasure trove of archival material. 

• Rugby Tribes: Take a closer look at the colour and diversity that makes up our wider ‘Rugby Tribe’ - its rituals and roots, witticism and whimsy. An area that evolves and changes. 

• Have a Go!: A 'seriously interactive' zone where visitors can represent their country and try out some Rugby-themed, physically challenging exhibits that include a series of simple game-based ball and skills challenges.

Palmerston North, in the province of Manawatū, is located between Wellington and Taupō and is hosting Rugby World Cup games on 28 September and 2 October, so plan your trip to combine a taste of history with the experience of live action.

You might also be interested in:

• Add to my trip Added to your trip Remove this event

  It’s Not Just A Game. Whanau. Whakapapa. Whutupaoro

  Puke Ariki’s exhibition It’s Not Just a Game – Whānau, Whakapapa, Whutupaoro captures the spirit of rugby in the Taranaki region.

  Open daily: Monday to Friday: 9am — 6pm. Late night Wednesday: 9am — 9pm. Saturday and Sunday: 9am — 5pm.|Taranaki|Culture & Heritage|Sport & Recreation|Business|Arts & Theatre

  Explore this event