In Palmerston North, you can visit the first-ever public museum devoted to rugby.
Since opening in 1977 the New Zealand Rugby Museum has continued to expand and has been housed in its current premises in the Te Manawa complex – Palmerston North’s museum of art, science and history – since 2011.
Discover everything you ever wanted to know about rugby, from the first game played in Nelson in 1870 to the juggernauts that are today’s All Blacks.
There is a wealth of riches for the footy fanatic and the merely curious alike.
While you are here, take some time to explore the many and varied exhibitions at Te Manawa – from a wide collection of contemporary and historic artworks to exhibits that trace the history and ecology of the Manawatū River and a fun-filled kids’ activity centre and play area.