Waiouru is primarily a military base, however visitors stop daily to visit the highly regarded Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum. The history of the New Zealand Army is explained with an extensive collection of artefacts, audio visuals and realistic displays. Open daily from 9am until 4.30pm, the museum honours times of war as well as peacekeeping operations. Look for the large grey building with tanks out the front. At 815 metres above sea level, Waiouru has severe winters and seriously hot summers. The township includes hotels, cafés, basic shops and service stations.