KiwiGlimpseOverview
Soldiers Whare is a historic building located in the town of Waiouru, in the central North Island of New Zealand. The building is a traditional Māori whare or meeting house and is a significant cultural landmark in the area. Today, Soldiers Whare is open to the public and offers visitors a chance to learn about Māori culture and history.
| Soldiers Whare Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Soldiers Whare |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Hurunui District |
| Sub-District | Hurunui District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 03:37 AM |
| Date: | Monday, May 11, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.79 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -42.3500 |
| Longitude | 173.1800 |
| DMS Lat | -43° 38' 60'' |
| DMS Long | 173° 10' 48'' |
History
The Soldiers Whare was originally built in the 1930s as a tribute to Māori soldiers who fought in World War I. The whare was constructed by Māori soldiers who were stationed at the nearby Waiouru Army Camp and was intended to serve as a gathering place for the local Māori community. Over the years, the whare has been restored and renovated several times and today it stands as a symbol of Māori heritage and culture.
Geography
Waiouru is located in the central North Island of New Zealand, in an area known for its rugged natural beauty. The town is situated on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, one of the North Island's most prominent volcanoes. The area is known for its challenging hiking and mountaineering opportunities, as well as its scenic drives and wildlife viewing.
Soldiers Whare is located at latitude -42.35 and longitude 173.18 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -43° 38' 60'' and longitude 173° 10' 48'' (DMS).
Below is map of Soldiers Whare
Demographics
The town of Waiouru has a population of approximately 1,000 people, with a mix of both Māori and European residents. The area has a strong military presence, with the nearby Waiouru Army Camp serving as a major employer for the community. The town is also home to a number of small businesses, including cafes, shops and galleries.
Climate
Waiouru has a cool temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during the winter months. Visitors to the area should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, especially if venturing into the nearby mountains.
Soldiers Whare Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
In addition to Soldiers Whare, the Waiouru area is home to a number of other landmarks and tourist attractions. These include the nearby Tongariro National Park, which offers a range of hiking and mountaineering opportunities. Other popular attractions in the area include the Ohakune Carrot, a giant sculpture of a carrot that celebrates the town's agricultural heritage and the National Army Museum, which showcases New Zealand's military history.
Economy
The economy of Waiouru is heavily influenced by the military presence in the area, with the nearby Waiouru Army Camp serving as a major employer. The town is also home to a number of small businesses, including cafes, shops and galleries, that cater to both locals and visitors. The tourism industry is an important contributor to the local economy, with many visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Barnardos Early Learning Centre Kaikoura |
| 2 | Hanmer Springs Playcentre |
| 3 | Hanmer Springs School |
| 4 | Kaikoura High School |
| 5 | Kaikoura Suburban School |
Nearby Towns and Cities
| Popular Towns and Cities | |
|---|---|
| Bullen Hills | Bullens Hill |
| Cloudy Hut | Cloudy Range |
| Mount Giles, Marlborough | Mount Gooch |
| Palmer Saddle | Pleasant Stream, Canterbury |
| Rough Creek, Marlborough | Soldiers Whare |