Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Take a journey through the memories, perils, loss, triumph and humour of the men and women who served - and continue to serve - this country on the ocean waves. As an island nation, the sea has been crucial to New Zealand for travel, commerce, and defence. And the navy has taken a key role in this country's security and development. Take time to enjoy this unique organisation, its fascinating stories, its courage, comradeship, and commitment as it serves New Zealand now and in the future. Admission free New Zealand Residents, international visitors 18+ $10. The Museum is an easy 15 minute walk from Devonport Wharf or via public transport (Devonport ferry). Catch the 807 bus from the Ferry Terminal - there are two stops located within an easy 2 minute walk of the Museum. Torpedo Bay is fully accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. We have an onsite cafe and playground.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
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Restaurants
823 within 3 miles
Attractions
216 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Peter G12 contributionsHistory of New Zealand Naval ServiceThis is a small “gem” of a museum in Devonport, a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Once at the Devonport Ferry Terminal, it’s about a 1.5K walk (about 20 min). The museum is at the end the walkway from the terminal. The museum is free and is organized mostly in chronological order with nice galleries on the modern NZ navy its ships, mission and personnel, the First World War and World War II. I especially enjoyed the exhibits and large models of some of NZs most famous ships: HMS New Zealand, HMNZS Achilles and HMNZS Leander. There is a small gift shop and a nice cafe where you can something to eat and drink with views of the bay. A perfect ferry trip and walk from downtown Auckland. If are on a cruise trip stop, don’t miss this. You can easily get the ferry right from the cruise ship dock.Hi Peter, many thanks for visiting the Museum and taking the time to write a review. We are delighted you enjoyed your visit and hope to welcome you again the next time you are in New Zealand.Written February 24, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Traveled soloWritten February 2, 2020
- Nancy TGig Harbor, Washington17 contributionsWonderful small museum with many interactive displaysThis museum highlights the history of the New Zealand Navy. They use personal stories of individuals to describe historic battles, complete with artifacts and photographs of the individuals, making the stories more personal. There were photographs of contemporary naval personnel as well as wall-size photographs of the crews from historic vessels. Many exhibits were interactive enough to draw you in but not so much as to distract from the story. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. There's a small shop as well as a cafe right on the waterfront. Great way to spend a day in town, and very accessible from the ferry dock. Ferries run every half hour to the main terminal in Auckland. Great place to get away from the cruise ship for a peaceful day.Hi Nancy, many thanks for visiting the Museum and taking the time to write a detailed review. We hope to see you again at the Museum sometime in the future.Written June 24, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Written February 27, 2020
- AlexandBethLymm, United Kingdom217 contributionsWonderful visit to this fabulous museum.Considering the size of New Zealand, I thought the contribution made by New Zealand in several conflicts was outstanding. From HMS New Zealand in WW1 and the battle of Jutland was particularly moving. I was particularly impressed, as a Fifer, to see HMS New Zealand moored by the Forth Bridge in 1915. Add that to HMS Achilles in WW2 v the Graf Spee was equally impressive. The photograph of the crew marching down Queen Street was impressive. Add Korea and Vietnam to their history and all Kiwis should be extremely proud if their Navy in general and this museum in particular.Hi Alex and Beth, Many thanks for taking the time to visit the Museum and share your experience with others. We are very pleased you enjoyed your visit and learnt about the RNZNs contribution during conflicts and in peacetime. We hope to welcome you again to the Museum.Written January 27, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 25, 2020
- platypus150Melbourne, Australia27,232 contributionsGreat opportunityEntry is by donation and there is an excellent cafe on site. There are views across the harbour to the city as well. The museum has examples of the work from NZ sailors over the years and some of the stories are harrowing. Some interesting items are on display. I was fascinated by the cultural acceptance of the Navy with Maori male and female crew with Te Moko face tatoos.Hi Platypus150, Many thanks for your review of your visit to the museum. We are pleased you found the exhibits interesting.Written October 4, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2022Written June 13, 2022
- DRandMSQueensland, Australia65 contributionsA great find in DevonportThis may be a small museum - but it has a good range of exhibits and information. There is also The Boat Shed with a small collection of little wooden boats. Oh, and the cafe is pretty good too.Hi, thanks for taking the time to write a review of your visit to the museum. We're delighted you enjoyed your time here and hope to see you again.Written October 4, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2022Traveled with friendsWritten May 19, 2022
- k2LoFlyaNZLower Hutt, New Zealand432 contributionsWell worth the visitIt's a 10 minute walk from Devonport Wharf and worth it. A credit to the Navy! A much more extensive display than one had envisaged and gives a great history of the NZ Navy with very interesting exhibits and historical narrative, Well worth the visit. There is also a nice café attached.Hi John, Thanks for your review. We're delighted we exceeded your expectations and you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you again.Written October 4, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2022Written September 20, 2022
- PigletWinnieAndRooHampton, United Kingdom1,050 contributionsNZ Navy punches way above their weight! This museum shows that - allow 2 hours.Great location and more extensive than you think. I was surprised by how many armed conflicts and humanitarian relief exercises the NZ navy had been involved in. There was a good section showing the work of the Wrens. The cafe was good with excellent views back to Auckland. If you’re not on the North Shore, the ferry from Auckland waterfront only takes a few minutes and runs very frequently. It is worth the crossing and there’s a pleasant walk along Devonport shore front.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten March 29, 2023
- blair tDenver, Colorado69 contributionsa small interesting museum with a real human feelwell worth a visit. its not all guns and death restruant is not as good as it used to be food has become very run of the mill feels like they are now using cheap ingredients that result in dull food. Te view from cafe real specialHi Blair, Thanks for your feedback will pass onto our Cafe operator.Written February 28, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2022Written November 17, 2022
- tyke710Penrith, United Kingdom46 contributionsHigh Quality attraction and its all free!Having lived in Plymouth England where Devonport is a symbolic an dintegral part of the city and its heritage a visit to Devonport was a must whilst we were in Auckland. A lovely ferry trip after breakfast landed us at a place that ( like so many other places in NZ) was spotless and well cared for. The views across the bay back to Auckland are amazing. the sun was bouncing off the sea which, because it was a still day was as flat as a duckpond. A casual stroll along the waterside passing well cut lawns and clean beaches brought us to Torpedo Bay. Curiosity meant we had to go in. " After all its free what is there to lose?" Stepping into the place was impressive! A friendly welcoming Receptionist who politely asked where we came from. When we told her we were from Plymouth England she was enthusiastic and keen to know more. No doubt many others had come this way too but she made us feel as if we were special visitors. The exhibits are very well presented and organised in a logical interesting way. There are a number of exhibits many from naval conflicts of course but the thing that impressed me most was the Whaling boat exhibition. Wow did they really hunt whales in boats as small as that? Whilst looking over that exhibition i started a conversation with a man who was nearby. It turned out that he too was from Devonport in the UK and had worked in the naval dockyard there. His daughter lived in Auckland and had dropped him off for the day! We both agreed that it was a lovely, very impressive exhibition and well worth visiting. The cafe is well worth a visit too with a good range of food on offer served by lovely staff. Have a look it is worth it even if you only get out of the hot sun for a while!Visited February 2017Traveled with friendsWritten March 11, 2017
- unagipai31 contributionsAwesome exhibitionCompact history of nz participation in the world wars and more since 1914. Was not expecting to spend two hours just looking at the exhibitions! Touching stories of men who chose to fight for causes of others that would not have touched their families had they chosen not to join the combat anyway. Definitely recommend if you are visiting Devonport!Visited May 2017Written May 15, 2017
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
315 reviews
Excellent
182
Very good
112
Average
20
Poor
1
Terrible
0
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia27,232 contributions
Jun 2022
Entry is by donation and there is an excellent cafe on site. There are views across the harbour to the city as well. The museum has examples of the work from NZ sailors over the years and some of the stories are harrowing. Some interesting items are on display. I was fascinated by the cultural acceptance of the Navy with Maori male and female crew with Te Moko face tatoos.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Platypus150,
Many thanks for your review of your visit to the museum. We are pleased you found the exhibits interesting.
Written October 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DRandMS
Queensland, Australia65 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
This may be a small museum - but it has a good range of exhibits and information. There is also The Boat Shed with a small collection of little wooden boats. Oh, and the cafe is pretty good too.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thanks for taking the time to write a review of your visit to the museum. We're delighted you enjoyed your time here and hope to see you again.
Written October 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
k2LoFlyaNZ
Lower Hutt, New Zealand432 contributions
Sep 2022
It's a 10 minute walk from Devonport Wharf and worth it. A credit to the Navy! A much more extensive display than one had envisaged and gives a great history of the NZ Navy with very interesting exhibits and historical narrative, Well worth the visit. There is also a nice café attached.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi John,
Thanks for your review. We're delighted we exceeded your expectations and you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you again.
Written October 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PigletWinnieAndRoo
Hampton, UK1,050 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Great location and more extensive than you think. I was surprised by how many armed conflicts and humanitarian relief exercises the NZ navy had been involved in. There was a good section showing the work of the Wrens. The cafe was good with excellent views back to Auckland. If you’re not on the North Shore, the ferry from Auckland waterfront only takes a few minutes and runs very frequently. It is worth the crossing and there’s a pleasant walk along Devonport shore front.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blair t
Denver, CO69 contributions
Nov 2022
well worth a visit. its not all guns and death restruant is not as good as it used to be food has become very run of the mill feels like they are now using cheap ingredients that result in dull food. Te view from cafe real special
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Blair,
Thanks for your feedback will pass onto our Cafe operator.
Written February 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tyke710
Penrith, UK46 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Having lived in Plymouth England where Devonport is a symbolic an dintegral part of the city and its heritage a visit to Devonport was a must whilst we were in Auckland. A lovely ferry trip after breakfast landed us at a place that ( like so many other places in NZ) was spotless and well cared for. The views across the bay back to Auckland are amazing. the sun was bouncing off the sea which, because it was a still day was as flat as a duckpond. A casual stroll along the waterside passing well cut lawns and clean beaches brought us to Torpedo Bay. Curiosity meant we had to go in. " After all its free what is there to lose?" Stepping into the place was impressive! A friendly welcoming Receptionist who politely asked where we came from. When we told her we were from Plymouth England she was enthusiastic and keen to know more. No doubt many others had come this way too but she made us feel as if we were special visitors.
The exhibits are very well presented and organised in a logical interesting way. There are a number of exhibits many from naval conflicts of course but the thing that impressed me most was the Whaling boat exhibition. Wow did they really hunt whales in boats as small as that?
Whilst looking over that exhibition i started a conversation with a man who was nearby. It turned out that he too was from Devonport in the UK and had worked in the naval dockyard there. His daughter lived in Auckland and had dropped him off for the day! We both agreed that it was a lovely, very impressive exhibition and well worth visiting. The cafe is well worth a visit too with a good range of food on offer served by lovely staff. Have a look it is worth it even if you only get out of the hot sun for a while!
The exhibits are very well presented and organised in a logical interesting way. There are a number of exhibits many from naval conflicts of course but the thing that impressed me most was the Whaling boat exhibition. Wow did they really hunt whales in boats as small as that?
Whilst looking over that exhibition i started a conversation with a man who was nearby. It turned out that he too was from Devonport in the UK and had worked in the naval dockyard there. His daughter lived in Auckland and had dropped him off for the day! We both agreed that it was a lovely, very impressive exhibition and well worth visiting. The cafe is well worth a visit too with a good range of food on offer served by lovely staff. Have a look it is worth it even if you only get out of the hot sun for a while!
Written March 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
unagipai
31 contributions
May 2017
Compact history of nz participation in the world wars and more since 1914. Was not expecting to spend two hours just looking at the exhibitions! Touching stories of men who chose to fight for causes of others that would not have touched their families had they chosen not to join the combat anyway. Definitely recommend if you are visiting Devonport!
Written May 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VikramWKarve
Pune, India271 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
We discovered the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum by sheer chance.
It was a rainy day and our host decided to take us for a drive to Devonport - when I suddenly saw a sign "Navy Museum" - and requested our host to drive us there on our way back from Mount Victoria where we saw an World War 2 vintage Coastal Gun emplacement and enjoyed a breathtaking view of Auckland harbour.
Having been a Navy "Sea Dog" myself - I was interested in seeing this Navy Museum.
I am glad I visited this Navy Museum. Entry is free - but - photography is not allowed inside.
The museum comprises an impressive display of New Zealand's Naval Heritage. Of particular interest to me were the exhibits pertaining to the celebrated HMS Achilles (later INS Delhi on which I have served) which won glory in the Battle of River Plate.
There are rare displays which highlight the heroic exploits of the New Zealand Navy and its Seafarers.
The museum encapsulates the Naval Heritage and Maritime History of New Zealand and is very well organised in true "Navy 'Shipshape' Style" and there is an excellent cafe too.
The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Devonport near Auckland is a "must visit" during your visit to New Zealand - especially for children and "Navy Buffs".
It was a rainy day and our host decided to take us for a drive to Devonport - when I suddenly saw a sign "Navy Museum" - and requested our host to drive us there on our way back from Mount Victoria where we saw an World War 2 vintage Coastal Gun emplacement and enjoyed a breathtaking view of Auckland harbour.
Having been a Navy "Sea Dog" myself - I was interested in seeing this Navy Museum.
I am glad I visited this Navy Museum. Entry is free - but - photography is not allowed inside.
The museum comprises an impressive display of New Zealand's Naval Heritage. Of particular interest to me were the exhibits pertaining to the celebrated HMS Achilles (later INS Delhi on which I have served) which won glory in the Battle of River Plate.
There are rare displays which highlight the heroic exploits of the New Zealand Navy and its Seafarers.
The museum encapsulates the Naval Heritage and Maritime History of New Zealand and is very well organised in true "Navy 'Shipshape' Style" and there is an excellent cafe too.
The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Devonport near Auckland is a "must visit" during your visit to New Zealand - especially for children and "Navy Buffs".
Written January 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keithY651
London, UK427 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a super museum full of pictures and artifacts and stories from the history of the exploits of the New Zealand navy.
It is not a huge museum but there is plenty to see over the course of an hour and with a great place to eat and drink overlooking the ocean, if you travel to Devonport this is a must visit attraction.
It is not a huge museum but there is plenty to see over the course of an hour and with a great place to eat and drink overlooking the ocean, if you travel to Devonport this is a must visit attraction.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Keith, thank you for taking the time to visit the Museum and we're delighted you enjoyed your time here.
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
allyt001
Edinburgh, UK101 contributions
Oct 2019
I'll start by saying that I do not have a keen interest in military history but this museum kept my attention. It is small but has loads of information on numerous wars that the NZ navy have been involved. The stories had a lot of personal detail in them too which was nice. The staff were all so friendly.
The cafe was also really nice, the food looked great & you can enjoy a view across the bay.
The cafe was also really nice, the food looked great & you can enjoy a view across the bay.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ally,
Many thanks for taking the time to review your visit to the Navy Museum - we are delighted you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again.
Written November 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SarahDECampbell
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Hi there
How far are you from the ferry terminal?
thanks
OggieDee
Great Dunmow, UK204 contributions
They are about a 15-20 min flat easy pleasant walk from the ferry but it might take longer as there are some bits n pieces you might want to stop at!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
- Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Torpedo Bay Navy Museum:
- (0.61 mi) Peace and Plenty Inn
- (0.36 mi) The Captain's Landing
- (0.33 mi) Duder Homestead
- (0.56 mi) Parituhu Bed and Breakfast
- (0.80 mi) Admirals Landing Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Torpedo Bay Navy Museum:
- (0.00 mi) Torpedo Bay Cafe
- (0.62 mi) Corelli's
- (0.31 mi) Mchughs of Cheltenham
- (0.29 mi) Dulcie
- (0.65 mi) Manuka Restaurant
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum Information
| Excellent Reviews | 182 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 112 |
| Torpedo Bay Navy Museum Photos | 103 |













































