New Zealand Maritime Museum Auckland
Explore New Zealand's seafaring past through captivating exhibits and sail Auckland's harbour on a historic scow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free family craft activities!
New Zealand Maritime Museum Auckland
Best Time
Free family craft activities!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore New Zealand's seafaring past through captivating exhibits and sail Auckland's harbour on a historic scow.
"A fabulous way to spend the day, wet or fine, with first-class displays and friendly volunteers."
🚢 Book Ted Ashby in Advance
Secure your spot on the heritage scow cruise; it's a popular experience!
👨👩👧 Free Sunday Crafts
Auckland residents get free entry & kids can enjoy 'Make Days' on Sundays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ted Ashby Sailing Cruise
Waitematā Harbour
Sail Auckland's harbor on a historic scow, enjoying stunning city views and sea breezes.
America's Cup Exhibition
Blue Water Black Magic Exhibition
Relive New Zealand's iconic America's Cup victories with interactive displays and memorabilia.
Sentinel: Seabirds of Aotearoa
Immersive Exhibition
Experience a unique blend of art and science showcasing New Zealand's native seabirds.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Sailing Adventure
Free Entry for Auckland Residents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Ted Ashby in Advance
Secure your spot on the heritage scow cruise; it's a popular experience!
👨👩👧 Free Sunday Crafts
Auckland residents get free entry & kids can enjoy 'Make Days' on Sundays.
☕ Bring Snacks for Sailing
The boat trip can be long for kids; pack snacks and drinks.
🗺️ Explore the Waterfront
Combine your visit with a stroll to the Viaduct Harbour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Ted Ashby in Advance
Secure your spot on the heritage scow cruise; it's a popular experience!
👨👩👧 Free Sunday Crafts
Auckland residents get free entry & kids can enjoy 'Make Days' on Sundays.
☕ Bring Snacks for Sailing
The boat trip can be long for kids; pack snacks and drinks.
🗺️ Explore the Waterfront
Combine your visit with a stroll to the Viaduct Harbour.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
Friendly volunteers offer great insights and stories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New Zealand Maritime Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the America's Cup section and the Ted Ashby sailing cruise. The friendly volunteers and well-maintained facilities are often highlighted as positives. Some international visitors have reported feeling less welcome on the sailing trip, though the museum itself is generally described as informative and peaceful.
"What a fabulous way to spend the day, wet or fine, the volunteers are super friendly knowledgeable and helpful. Now the displays physical and graphic are absolutely first class as are the theatre’s short films, Peter Blake especially good! All the exhibits are neat, and clean as are facilities, souvenir shop has some interesting items at reasonable prices. Of very special interest, ETHEL after a lot of hard toil by dedicated yaghtsmen Kevin & John to restore her from her depths of despair as a site seeing black fake PIRATE SHIP prior to total refit and refurbishment by the team!
I would absolutely recommend not missing this well orchestrated easy to manage super interesting attraction to all discerning visitors and residents of Auckland city New Zealand!
Arthur C. CHARLTON
west AUCKLAND N.Z."
Arthur Charlton
"We booked the Ted Ashby sailing boat to try the experience and then walked around the museum afterward. The lady at reception was very kind and welcoming to both me and my daughter. She was friendly and made my daughter feel happy and special as a young visitor.
However, during the boat trip, we felt like strangers—possibly because we were Arab international visitors. While we understand that we were new faces, we had hoped for a warmer and more inclusive atmosphere. Unfortunately, the uncomfortable feeling made me wish the trip would end before the scheduled time.
I recommend that anyone planning to try the sailing boat bring some tea or coffee, a few snacks, and small games or activities for the kids, as the ride can get a bit boring—especially for younger children.
The museum itself was informative, well-organized, and peaceful. The coffee shop was also nice, and the lovely lady working there was truly the highlight of the entire visit."
Bayan Al Dakheel
"We have been to Maritime museums almost everywhere we go and truly this was one of the best! It not only showed the boats of the Maori but the history of the people as well. We found it to be very interesting. We took the free tour which was incredibly informative. I highly recommend visiting this museum when you are in Auckland."
Sue Longson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at the Viaduct Harbour, easily accessible from downtown Auckland. You can walk from the ferry terminal or Queen Street. It's also a short distance from many central city hotels. Parking is available nearby, though can be pricey.
Yes, the museum is very close to the downtown ferry terminal, making it convenient if you're arriving from areas like Devonport. Buses also frequently service the downtown area.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from Queen Street and the central business district, taking about 10-15 minutes.
There are several parking buildings and street parking options around the Viaduct Harbour and downtown Auckland. Be aware that parking fees can add up.
From Auckland Airport, you can take the SkyBus to the city center and then walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is free for Auckland residents. For visitors, there's a fee, but it's considered good value for the exhibits and potential sailing experiences.
While general admission for residents is free, it's highly recommended to book tickets for the Ted Ashby sailing cruise in advance, as they can sell out.
Yes, Auckland residents can enjoy free general admission. Additionally, 'Make Days' on Sundays offer free family craft activities.
The museum is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
You can usually purchase tickets on the day for museum entry. However, for the popular Ted Ashby sailing trips, booking ahead is strongly advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the America's Cup exhibition for a deep dive into New Zealand's sailing triumphs, and the 'Sentinel' exhibition for a unique look at seabirds.
Many visitors find the hour-long cruise on the heritage scow a highlight, offering great harbor views and a unique historical experience.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Interactive exhibits, the 'Make Days' on Sundays, and the sailing trip make it engaging for children.
Yes, free guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and New Zealand's maritime history.
Combine exploring the indoor exhibits with a sailing trip on the Ted Ashby. Allow at least 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers refreshments. Visitors have praised the friendly staff there.
The Viaduct Harbour is packed with restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of cuisines, from casual to fine dining.
While there's a cafe, it's advisable to check the museum's policy on outside food and drinks, especially if you plan to consume them on the premises.
Yes, you can find more affordable options a short walk away from the immediate Viaduct Harbour, or consider grabbing a pie from a local bakery.
Auckland has a diverse food scene. Don't miss trying a classic Kiwi meat pie, fresh seafood, and exploring the various international cuisines available.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Ted Ashby scow, the Auckland skyline from the harbour, and the detailed ship models and artifacts inside.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but be mindful of any specific restrictions on flash or professional photography.
Golden hour, around sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the harbour and city views. +1
The Viaduct Harbour itself provides a picturesque backdrop with its yachts and waterfront architecture.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for both indoor exhibits and harbour views. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the ships.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Ted Ashby sailing cruise is a highlight, offering an hour of adventure on the harbour. Interactive exhibits keep children engaged, and the museum's welcoming atmosphere ensures a pleasant visit for all ages. Remember to pack snacks and drinks for the sailing trip, as it can be a bit long for younger ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even for non-residents, the admission fee is reasonable for the quality of exhibits and the potential to add on the Ted Ashby sailing experience. Combine your visit with a walk around the Viaduct Harbour and explore the surrounding area. For affordable eats, look for local bakeries offering classic Kiwi pies or explore eateries a short walk from the main tourist strip.
🚢 History Buffs & Sailing Enthusiasts
The Ted Ashby sailing cruise offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to experience sailing on a heritage vessel. Don't miss the opportunity to chat with the knowledgeable volunteers; their insights can significantly enrich your understanding of New Zealand's seafaring heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sailing the Waitematā Harbour
Travelers often describe the experience as charming and full of history, providing a refreshing escape from the city bustle. It's a fantastic opportunity to feel the sea breeze and imagine life on the water in bygone eras. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, as these trips are very popular.
While the ride itself is enjoyable, some visitors suggest bringing snacks and entertainment for younger children, as the hour can feel long for them. Exploring New Zealand's Maritime Heritage
Visitors often highlight the quality of the displays, noting they are well-organized, clean, and informative. A particular draw for many is the America's Cup exhibition, celebrating New Zealand's legendary victories in the world of yacht racing. This section features interactive elements, allowing visitors to engage with the technology and spirit of these iconic campaigns.
Family Fun and Free Activities
On Sundays, the museum hosts 'Make Days,' where children can participate in themed craft activities included with admission, adding an extra layer of engagement. These activities range from creating rope bracelets to making secret messages in bottles, ensuring a creative and fun experience for kids. Beyond the scheduled crafts, the museum offers interactive exhibits that appeal to younger visitors, such as an interactive boat display.
The friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff, particularly noted by one reviewer who felt their daughter was made to feel special, contribute to a positive family visit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit