New Zealand Maritime Museum

Overview

The New Zealand Maritime Museum (Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa) sits on the Viaduct Harbour waterfront and explores the nation's deep connection to the sea — from Polynesian voyaging to the America's Cup.

Highlights

• Blue Water Black Magic: An extensive gallery dedicated to New Zealand's America's Cup campaigns.
• Polynesian Navigation: Displays on traditional Pacific wayfinding and waka hourua (double-hulled canoes).
• Heritage Vessels: A fleet of historic boats moored alongside the museum, including the scow Ted Ashby.

History

Opened in 1993, the museum was established to celebrate Auckland's maritime heritage as the 'City of Sails'. Its collection spans over 1,500 objects and several historic vessels.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.
• Harbour Sail: Paid harbour sailing trips on heritage vessels depart from the museum wharf.
• Combine with: Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are immediately adjacent.