The main hall at the centre will feature sports such as fencing, indoor rowing, rock 'n' roll dancing and dance-sports, boasting what is said to be the largest spring-form dance floor in the Southern Hemisphere.
Kathy Cunningham, chief executive of the Whanganui Events Trust which is staging the Games from February 3-12, said a survey of participants after the 2015 Masters Games had shown a desire for a change of venue for the athletes village. She said using the War Memorial Centre would mean less impact from the weather.
An open day will be held at the forecourt on February 2 with the official Games opening the following day, starting at Cooks Gardens with a parade to the centre.
Registrations are now open for competitors at an early-bird price of $45 which will go up to the standard $60 from November 1.
The NZ Masters Games will feature more than 50 sports.