New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Auckland

4 more images

This excellent museum gives the history of maritime accomplishment in New Zealand from colonization by the first Maori to today's history of first class sailing. The said museum has 14 exhibition galleries, research and library facilities. It also houses many of New Zealand's national treasures.

This is a place where you easilly end up spending much more time than you would've thought. Take advantage of the free guiding. The volonteers are so enthusiastic, friendly and interesting. I had to leave one tour to catch the harbour sail trip and then came back for another one. They overlapped for a bit, but it didn't matter as they focused on different things. If the ship model work shop is open, don't miss it. They will show and tell you as much about ship models as you are willing to listen to.

i had more fun in the museum than i expected'; you buy a ticket from the souvenir store in fron, put a sticker on yourself and if the turnpike doesn't work feel free to jump the wall...that's what i did; i liked the boats inside and the recreation of quays and old offices and even emmigration boats; it was cool...i surely would go again:)

ticket is 12NZ

The NZ Maritime Museum sits right on the waterfront next to the Ferry Building. There are many restored vessels on display both in the museum and floating in the marina. The exhibits also cover 1000 years of maritime history and include stories of Polynesian voyages, immigration, navigation and whaling. There are daily cruises available on the scow “Ted Ashby”, which sets sail when the cannon is fired at noon.

The museum is open 9am-6pm daily (summer). 9am-5pm daily (winter) and an admission is charged.

The New Zealand National Maritime Museum has many great exhibits that teach about New Zealand's relationship with the ocean. Exhibitions change, but you will most likely learn about Polynesian voyagers, European explorers to New Zealand, trading, whaling, immigration, shipwrecks, fishing, and especially yachting.

Overall, this is a great place to spend a few hours in Auckland, and I would highly recommend it. It is open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM. Admission is NZ$12 for adults and $6 for seniors, children, and students. For a harbour cruise, add $7 for adults and $6 for everyone else.

If you are into things nautical, and even if you're not, there is plenty to see and to keep you amused at the NZ Maritime Museum. As well as internal exhibits and displays there are also several boats and yachts on display outside.

A worthwhile visit on a rainy day or after Sunday brunch in Viaduct Basin.

Open 7-days except Christmas Day
Hours:
9am to 5pm (6pm from October 1st)

Seated at the heart of Auckland's downtown waterfront, the NZ Maritime Museum allows its visitors to learn about visually, verbally, and actual experiences the joys and history fo kiwi sailing. When opened in 1993 to the public the Maritime Museum offered a look that no other museum was giving. Nearly hands-on and upclose and personal displays give visitors the feel that they existed not now, but during the different eras of the displayed ships. The theatre near the entrance gives onlookers a taste of what the original Maori settlers battled through to arrive on the island. There are 14 main exhibition gallaries ranging from the Americas' Cup to living quarters of the immigrants. But what I enjoyed most of the time at the museum was getting out and riding the sails. The student discount of NZ$6 allowed me to ride the Ted Ashby under and around Auckland bridge. What a thrill. This 6 dollars was well spent and I think gave better views for the money than the bridge climb. You must try it out.