The Lion & Tusk - Museum of the Rhodesian Services Association

Have you ever wondered what connection might exist between the African savannah and the shores of the Pacific Ocean? The Lion & Tusk Museum, located in the picturesque Mount Maunganui district of Tauranga, provides an exhaustive answer. This unique institution in New Zealand is entirely dedicated to preserving the military and cultural history of Rhodesia, covering the period from 1890 to 1980.

Unlike large state exhibitions, this museum is maintained by enthusiasts from the Rhodesian Services Association. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts: from rare medals and uniforms to full-scale military vehicles. Every exhibit here tells a personal story, and the volunteers who run the museum are ready to share knowledge you won't find in standard history textbooks.

The Lion & Tusk Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The heart of the exhibition is a genuine Alouette III helicopter, which has become a symbol of an entire era. In addition to it, visitors can see weapons, medals, original badges, and even visit a cozy library and the Memorial Garden. The museum has earned top ratings from travelers for its authenticity and warm, personal approach to every guest, turning a standard tour into a deep emotional journey.

To inquire about special events or group visits, you can use the following contact details for The Lion & Tusk Museum:

The first thing that catches the eye upon entering is the legendary Alouette III helicopter, equipped with original armament. Visitors can examine in detail not only aviation technology but also extensive collections of edged weapons and firearms, including cannons, swords, and daggers. A special pride of the museum is the display cases with medals and badges, each accompanied by a story of bravery or service.

The museum has created a multimedia environment: here you can watch documentary videos featuring footage of real events from the past, study rare photographs, and archival documents. For those who prefer a deeper immersion, a library with unique publications is open. Don't forget to stop by the souvenir shop to pick up some keepsakes or spend a few quiet minutes in the Memorial Garden, dedicated to the memory of the fallen.

The main value of the museum is live communication. Volunteer guides often conduct personal tours, sharing fascinating facts that aren't written on the plaques. After exploring the exhibition, you can head for a walk along the famous beaches of Mount Maunganui or visit one of the cozy nearby restaurants to discuss what you've seen.

The museum is located at Unit 10/14 Portside Drive in the Mount Maunganui area. If you are traveling from the center of Tauranga, the drive takes only 15–20 minutes via State Highway 2. Access to the complex is directly from Portside Drive, and free parking is available for visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run from the city center to Mount Maunganui. After getting off at the stop nearest to the industrial zone, you will need to take a short walk or use a taxi service. For cruise ship passengers arriving at the port, the museum is often a popular shore excursion due to its proximity to the harbor.

Its location in the coastal Bay of Plenty region makes it easy to combine your cultural visit with relaxation on the famous beaches or a hike around the Mauao volcanic cone, which is located nearby.

The history of this remarkable place began in 2018 when the Rhodesian Services Association officially opened the museum's doors in Tauranga. The founders' primary goal was to preserve the military and civilian history of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) from 1890 to 1980. It is not merely a storehouse of antiquities but the result of years of dedicated work by volunteers, many of whom are veterans or their descendants.

A special focus of the exhibition is the deep historical connection between Rhodesia and New Zealand. Few people know that many New Zealanders (Kiwis) served in Rhodesian units, dating back to the Boer Wars of the late 19th century. The museum carefully maintains personal archives, photographs, and documents that reveal these unexpected parallels in the fates of two distant lands.

Over the years, the project has evolved from a private initiative to collect artifacts into a fully-fledged educational and research space. Today, The Lion & Tusk is recognized as one of the most detailed archives of Rhodesian history in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era through the lens of human stories and authentic artifacts from everyday life and service.

To leisurely browse all the displays, examine unique documents, and spend some time talking with the volunteers, it is recommended to plan for a visit of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and watch video footage of real historical events.

If you are a serious history researcher or plan to work extensively with materials in the local library, your visit could extend to 3 hours or more. Those who enjoy thoughtful reading and archival research will find it particularly interesting to spend an entire half-day here.

The museum operates on a limited schedule, so it is worth planning your visit in advance. The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday inclusive. Opening hours on these days are from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Please note that the museum is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It also does not accept visitors on public holidays, as well as on December 24th and 31st. It is recommended to check the official website for up-to-date information before your trip, as the schedule may be changed by the volunteer organization.

A visit to the museum can be turned into a full journey through the history and culture of the region. The surroundings of Mount Maunganui and the central city are rich in archaeological sites and scenic parks that help visitors better understand the Māori heritage and the region's colonial period.

Exploring nearby sites will allow you to see the contrast between the historic past and the peaceful modern life of the coast. Below are some of the most interesting locations within a few kilometers: