Last updated July 2026
The New Zealand Maritime Museum — Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa — sits at the edge of Viaduct Harbour in central Auckland, where the city meets the sea. It tells the story of New Zealand’s relationship with the ocean, from Polynesian voyaging and European exploration to immigration and the modern maritime industry. Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers harbour sailing trips on traditional vessels, making it one of the few Auckland museums where you can get out on the water as part of your visit.
Practical Information
| Location | Corner Quay Street and Hobson Street, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland |
| Hours | Daily 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm; closed Christmas Day) |
| Entry (Auckland residents) | Free with proof of address |
| Entry (visitors) | Adults $24 | Seniors/Students $19 | Children (5–14) $12 | Family $58 |
| Heritage sailing (includes entry, visitors) | Adults $63 | Seniors/Students $50 | Children (5–14) $30 | Family $149 |
| Heritage sailing (Auckland residents) | Adults $31 | Seniors/Students $25 | Children (5–14) $15 | Family $74 |
| Getting there | Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD — walkable from Ferry Building and Britomart |
| Website | maritimemuseum.co.nz |
About the Museum
The New Zealand Maritime Museum opened in August 1993 on the waterfront of the Viaduct Basin. The location is fitting — Auckland is a city built around the sea, and the museum’s exhibits trace that relationship from the earliest Polynesian voyagers who navigated the Pacific by stars and swell, through European arrival and the colonial maritime economy, to 20th-century yachting, fishing, and commercial shipping.
The core galleries cover Polynesian navigation, the age of sail, immigration voyages, and New Zealand’s maritime industry. The Blue Water Black Magic gallery traces the country’s yachting heritage, including the history of the America’s Cup campaigns. Rotating temporary exhibitions add contemporary maritime stories alongside the permanent collection.
The museum is now part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation. It houses one of the nation’s most important heritage collections, which covers the breadth of New Zealand’s relationship with the sea from the Great Pacific Migration a thousand years ago to modern America’s Cup technology.
The museum’s Māori name, Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, was gifted by Sir Hugh Kāwharu and means “the dwelling of Tangaroa”, referring to the Māori and Polynesian understanding of Tangaroa as the creator of the waves and life within the oceans.
Harbour Sailing Trips
The museum operates harbour sailing experiences aboard historic vessels. The Ted Ashby is a ketch-rigged scow offering one-hour sails on the Waitematā Harbour. The Nautilus is a 110-year-old motor launch providing similar one-hour cruises. The SS Puke is a 19th-century steam tug offering 20-minute trips around the Viaduct Harbour. Other vessels include Breeze and occasional waka sailings.
Sailing trips are bookable separately or as combined packages that include museum entry. Schedules vary by season, weather and maintenance; pre-booking is recommended. Life jackets are provided, and sailings generally proceed in light rain but may be cancelled in strong winds.
What Visitors Often Say
The sailing trip on the Ted Ashby stands out as a highlight, with an hour on the harbour offering knowledgeable commentary and excellent views of the city skyline and Harbour Bridge. The extra cost feels worthwhile for the experience.
Families appreciate the interactive boat exhibits and navigation displays. The central Viaduct location makes it convenient to combine a visit with nearby dining or waterfront walks.
Where to Learn More
New Zealand Maritime Museum — Admission: Current hours, entry prices for residents and visitors, and sailing package details.
New Zealand Maritime Museum — Sailings: Vessel descriptions, current schedules, booking information and sailing FAQs.
New Zealand Maritime Museum — About: Museum history, Māori name explanation and collection overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New Zealand Maritime Museum free?
Auckland residents can enter free with proof of address. Visitors pay $24 for adults, $19 for seniors or students, and $12 for children aged 5–14.
Can I go sailing at the New Zealand Maritime Museum?
Yes — the museum operates heritage sailing trips on vessels including the Ted Ashby and Nautilus. Combined entry-plus-sailing packages are available. Check the museum website for current schedules.
Where is the New Zealand Maritime Museum?
Corner Quay Street and Hobson Street, Viaduct Harbour — walkable from the Ferry Building and Britomart.
What are the museum’s opening hours?
Daily 10am–5pm, last entry 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Are sailings suitable for children?
Yes, the museum is family-friendly. Children under 14 must wear supplied life jackets, and adult supervision ratios apply.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Ramp access is available to most exhibits. Wheelchairs are permitted on some sailings with advance notice and size limits.
When did the New Zealand Maritime Museum open?
The museum opened in August 1993.
Who runs the New Zealand Maritime Museum?
The museum is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation.
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