Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum Welcome to Torpedo Bay, Devonport, home of the Navy Museum. As an island nation, the sea has been crucial to New Zealand for travel, commerce, and defence.

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. 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. Ne

w Zealand residents - Free. International visitors 18+ $15. How to get to the Museum - Torpedo Bay is located at the base of North Head overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, Devonport, Auckland. It is an easy 15-minute walk from Devonport Wharf and is easily accessible by public transport (Devonport ferry). Catch the 807 bus from the Ferry Terminal - there are two stops located within an easy 2-minute walk to the Museum. Torpedo Bay is fully accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. Venue Hire - The Whakatere Conference Room is a unique concept in conference facilities. Located within the Navy Museum at the historic Torpedo Bay in Devonport. Catering menus and room hire rates are available on request. Education Programmes and Group Bookings - Navy Museum offers a diverse range of programmes for schools, teachers and community groups including exhibition tours, free resources and programmes. Bookings are essential. Kids Activities - lots to engage children within the galleries. Holiday activities for children are held each school holiday throughout the year. Cafe - The Torpedo Bay Cafe offers spectacular views over the Waitemata Harbour, central Auckland CBD, providing great coffee and a menu of delicious New Zealand cuisine. Open Mon-Sat 7.30am -4pm, Sun 8am - 4pm and public holidays 8am - 3pm. Store - Art, books and unique souvenirs are available from the Navy Museum store.

Today we commemorate the 81st Anniversary of VJ Day - Victory over Japan Day. On 15th August 1945, Japan surrendered to ...
14/08/2026

Today we commemorate the 81st Anniversary of VJ Day - Victory over Japan Day. On 15th August 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies. HMNZS Gambia is reputed to have fired the very last shots in World War II. At the exact time the signal instructing hostilities to cease was coming through, Gambia was engaged with a Japanese aircraft off the coast of mainland Japan. This Naval message contains the original instruction to cease combat and Gambia’s reply ‘Judy 33 shot down over fleet while signal was flying. C. T. F.’s instructions not obeyed.’
Object No: FSC 0041

One hundred and four years ago, the battlecruiser HMS New Zealand arrived at Rosyth in Scotland to be broken up. Some re...
12/08/2026

One hundred and four years ago, the battlecruiser HMS New Zealand arrived at Rosyth in Scotland to be broken up. Some remnants of the ship made their way back to New Zealand, including the large ornate sideboard which takes pride of place in the Boyle Room at the Navy Museum. The Battle Honours and the carved teak New Zealand Coat of Arms are now displayed in the Naval Memorial Chapel of St Christopher at the Devonport Naval Base, HMNZS Philomel. The Coat of Arms is attached to the pulpit at the chapel.
Read about HMS New Zealand on our website: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/ships/new-zealand-hms/
Image: New Zealand Coat of Arms on the pulpit at the chapel FT 70

From the Collection - this colourful tin with an image of King George V contained sweets. It was produced by the British...
09/08/2026

From the Collection - this colourful tin with an image of King George V contained sweets. It was produced by the British Grocers' Federation and was issued to troops, Christmas 1914.
Object No: GDB 0006

We're celebrating with one of our favourite images: Lt N.D. Blair RNZNVR pictured (centre) with two crewmates and a c...
07/08/2026

We're celebrating with one of our favourite images: Lt N.D. Blair RNZNVR pictured (centre) with two crewmates and a couple of rather sweet ship's cats, photographed by Tudor Collins, possibly HMNZS Killegray cWW2.
Image: 2013.70.2344

Great image from the of the operatic society at the Fullers Opera House 1930. Naval ratings in the back row: L-R: Tr...
06/08/2026

Great image from the of the operatic society at the Fullers Opera House 1930. Naval ratings in the back row: L-R: Trevor Parish, Lance Parish, All Bunting, Jim Birss, Norman Thomas, and George Thomas. Jim Birss served in and died in HMS Neptune 1941 Object No: 2023.9.35

Harbour Defence Motor Launches were used for anti-submarine patrols in port approaches during World War Two. This image ...
03/08/2026

Harbour Defence Motor Launches were used for anti-submarine patrols in port approaches during World War Two. This image shows Q1187 Tarapunga at HMNZS Philomel.
Image: 2013.70.4442 - photographer Tudor Collins

From the - Queen Elizabeth II arriving at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport - Auckland during her official tour of New Zealand...
01/08/2026

From the - Queen Elizabeth II arriving at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport - Auckland during her official tour of New Zealand 1953/54.
Image: AAR 0116

Beautiful tapestry weaving underway at the museum with Premtylerhandweaving
01/08/2026

Beautiful tapestry weaving underway at the museum with Premtylerhandweaving

From our Collections Team - Eighty-one years ago on the night of 31 July 1945, in a daring mission, the midget submarine...
30/07/2026

From our Collections Team - Eighty-one years ago on the night of 31 July 1945, in a daring mission, the midget submarine XE3 made its way undetected past the harbour defences and up the channel leading to Singapore naval base. Once there, a diver emerged from the submarine and attached mines to the hull of the Japanese cruiser HIJMS Takao.

Despite several difficulties, XE3 made its way back out of the channel unsighted and detonated its explosives. The Takao was severely damaged and played no further part in the war. Sub Lt. William ‘Kiwi’ Smith was amongst the crew on the XE3 and was awarded a DSO for his part in Operation Struggle. His track chart shows the progress of the XE3 and its ‘mother’ submarine, HMS Stygian. He also produced a drawing of the XE3's interior, showing the cramped space in which he and three crewmates spent over 48 hours.
Read more: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/artefact-unpacked/operation-struggle/
Object No: 2019.47.13

On the 29th of July 1977, the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service (WRNZNS, or Wrens) was disbanded. Service in the r...
29/07/2026

On the 29th of July 1977, the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service (WRNZNS, or Wrens) was disbanded. Service in the regular military forces was then opened for women, and many of the active Wrens transferred to the RNZN. However, roles in the Navy open to women were still restricted to shore-based duties until 1986. The women of the WRNZNS were trailblazers in establishing women's service in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Pictured: The Wrens in 1977, taken two days before the final WRNZNS parade.

Address

64 King Edward Parade Devonport
Auckland
0624

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+6494455186

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Torpedo Bay Navy Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category