Torpedo Bay Navy Museum Auckland
Discover New Zealand's naval history at this charming museum with stunning ocean views and family-friendly exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet exploration
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum Auckland
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover New Zealand's naval history at this charming museum with stunning ocean views and family-friendly exhibits.
"A hidden gem with engaging exhibits and friendly staff, perfect for history buffs and families alike."
🎯 Free Entry for Locals!
Aucklanders get in free! Donations welcome for others. A great budget-friendly experience .
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the exhibits and nearby historical sites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Naval History Exhibits
Discover artifacts, model ships, and stories of the Royal New Zealand Navy's service and peace-keeping missions.

Interactive Displays & Playground
Engage with hands-on activities perfect for kids, making history fun and accessible for all ages.

Torpedo Bay Cafe Views
Enjoy a coffee or bite with stunning ocean vistas, a perfect spot to relax after exploring.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry for Aucklanders!
Combine with Local Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry for Locals!
Aucklanders get in free! Donations welcome for others. A great budget-friendly experience.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the exhibits and nearby historical sites.
⏳ Allow 2+ Hours
Don't rush! Plenty to see and learn, plus time for the cafe.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning views from the cafe and historical shots around the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry for Locals!
Aucklanders get in free! Donations welcome for others. A great budget-friendly experience.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the exhibits and nearby historical sites.
⏳ Allow 2+ Hours
Don't rush! Plenty to see and learn, plus time for the cafe.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning views from the cafe and historical shots around the museum.
☕ Cafe with a View
Grab a coffee and enjoy the beautiful seaside panorama.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum as a 'hidden gem' with engaging exhibits and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Its free entry for Aucklanders and affordable donation for others make it a great value. The cafe's stunning views and the museum's family-friendly features, including interactive displays and a playground, are frequently highlighted positives.
"Lovely spot with great view, nice cafe, outdoor playground. Not a huge place, but many interesting stuff if you are into this part of the history. Very friendly staff with great knowledge. North head and Mt Victoria are close by."
Maggie Ma
"Interesting place to visit in Devonport. We were there after 4pm so entry was free but I'd encourage others to make a donation. There are models of NZ and British vessels with mementos and descriptions of sea battles. By the pier behind the museum is a salt water swimming pool that assisted in the recovery of wounded servicemen."
Steve Warne
"The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is a hidden gem!
This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the New Zealand Navy and Torpedo Bay's rich history. Exhibits are presented in a professional and engaging manner, making it easy to absorb the wealth of information on display.
I was impressed by the clarity and readability of the exhibit descriptions – perfect for visitors of all ages!
Despite its compact size, the museum packs a punch, with plenty to see and explore. Allow at least 2 hours to do it justice!
The interactive displays and small playground make it an excellent destination for families. Kids will love the hands-on activities, while parents can enjoy the stunning views of the ocean while grabbing a bite to eat.
Overall, the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is a fantastic and fun activity for the whole family. Don't miss it!"
Chantéll Geldenhuys
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 64 King Edward Parade in Devonport.
You can reach Devonport via a scenic ferry ride from downtown Auckland, which takes about 12 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive, but parking in Devonport can be limited, especially during peak times. Once in Devonport, it's a pleasant walk to the museum.Limited street parking is available in the Devonport area. It's recommended to arrive early or consider using public transport like the ferry to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, it's a lovely walk! The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Devonport ferry terminal, offering scenic coastal views along the way.
The museum is generally accessible, with exhibits on the ground floor. The cafe area also offers easy access. It's a good option for families with young children and strollers.
The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM.
However, it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is free for Auckland residents! For visitors from outside Auckland, a small donation is appreciated, with a suggested entry fee of $10.
This makes it a very accessible attraction.No, advance booking is generally not required for the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. You can usually just turn up, especially as entry is free for locals.
The main 'discount' is free entry for Auckland residents.
For others, the suggested donation is very reasonable for the historical insights provided.Yes, the museum is open until 5 PM, and some reviews mention that entry might be free after 4 PM, making it a great option for a late afternoon visit.
Absolutely! The museum features interactive displays and a small playground, making it an engaging experience for kids.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the New Zealand Navy, view artifacts, medal collections, and model ships. The museum offers insights into naval history and the role of the NZ Defence Forces in peacekeeping and rescue operations.
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the exhibits thoroughly and enjoy the cafe.
While formal guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, the staff and volunteers are highly knowledgeable and happy to share information about the exhibits.
Yes, the museum has a gift shop offering a range of items, perfect for finding a souvenir or a unique gift.
The museum is described as a 'hidden gem' with a professional and engaging presentation of exhibits. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe located at the museum, offering food and drinks with stunning views of the ocean.
The cafe offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume your own food outside the museum or at the designated cafe area to maintain the exhibits.
Devonport village, a short walk away, has numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries offering a variety of cuisines.
Yes, the cafe is family-friendly and provides a pleasant environment to dine while enjoying the views.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
The views from the cafe area are spectacular. You can also capture interesting shots of the naval artifacts and models within the exhibits.
Definitely! The surrounding Devonport area, including North Head and Mount Victoria, offers fantastic photographic opportunities with historical fortifications and panoramic city views.
The museum's exhibits and the scenic location make it a good spot for videography, especially for capturing historical content or travel vlogs.
Visitors often capture photos of the naval artifacts, model ships, the cafe's ocean views, and the historical surroundings of Devonport.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
⚓ History Buffs
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Auckland CBD
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Auckland's Naval Heritage
The exhibits are meticulously curated, offering a clear and engaging narrative. You'll find detailed information on naval battles, rescue missions, and the daily lives of those who served. The museum also highlights the historical significance of Torpedo Bay itself, a strategic location with a rich past. It's a place where history comes alive, providing context for New Zealand's place on the world stage.
Many visitors are particularly impressed by the clarity of the exhibit descriptions, making complex historical events accessible to all ages. The knowledgeable volunteers are also a significant asset, readily sharing insights and answering questions, enriching the visitor experience. It's more than just a collection of objects; it's a gateway to understanding a vital part of the nation's identity.
Family Fun and Education
Parents can appreciate the stunning ocean views from the Torpedo Bay Cafe while their children play or explore the museum. This combination of educational content, interactive fun, and a relaxed cafe environment makes it an ideal outing for families looking for an activity that appeals to all ages. The museum's compact size also means it's manageable for families without overwhelming little ones.
Reviews consistently praise the museum as a fantastic and fun activity for the whole family. It provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about their country's history in an enjoyable and accessible way, making it a standout attraction for those visiting Auckland with kids.
Devonport's Coastal Charm
Visitors are encouraged to combine their museum trip with explorations of nearby North Head and Mount Victoria. These volcanic cones offer panoramic views of Auckland's skyline and Hauraki Gulf, along with fascinating historical military fortifications and tunnels to explore. The proximity of these attractions makes for a well-rounded day trip.
After soaking in the history and views, the Torpedo Bay Cafe provides a perfect spot to unwind. With its scenic outlook, it's an ideal place to enjoy a coffee or a meal while reflecting on the day's discoveries. The entire Devonport peninsula offers a relaxed pace and picturesque setting, making it a must-visit area when in Auckland.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit