Recent social media posts
03/06/2026
To celebrate World Day, here's an image of a ladies' Hercules bicycle thought to have come from HMNZS Irirangi, the naval communications station established at Waiouru in 1943. More than 80 women from the WRNZNS were stationed there as telegraphists during .
The bicycle was purchased from a surplus store in Taumarunui in the late 1940s by Mrs Sally McMinn. Bicycles were, and still are, commonly used on naval bases as a way to get around. For several years, Navy standard-issue bicycles were painted red and known as 'Pusser's Red Devils'. Pusser was a corruption of the word 'purser', the person in charge of the money - and also in-house slang for the Navy.
This Hercules bicycle was donated to the museum by Mrs McMinn's son, William in 2015.
30/05/2026
On this day in 1916, the Battle of Jutland began. The Battle of Jutland was the only major clash between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet during World War One. It occurred in the southern North Sea, off the coast of Denmark's Jutland Peninsula, which gives its name to the battle. It was the pivotal naval battle of the First World War. Following the battle, the British High Seas Fleet emerged twice more into the North Sea, but there was no other major battle and the Royal Navy retained command of the sea.
HMS New Zealand participated in the battle commanded by Captain John Green. Having previously participated unscathed in the other two naval battles of World War One; Heligoland Bight and Dogger Bank, HMS New Zealand's X-Turret was hit by a heavy shell during the Battle of Jutland. The chunk of armour plate blown from the barbette of X-Turret is on display at the Navy Museum along with other artefacts relating to the battlecruiser.
Image: ACJ 0344 Admiral Beatty's Battlecruiser Fleet in line with accompanying torpedo boat destroyers.
Read more about the Battle of Jutland on our website: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-themes/world-war-one/battle-of-jutland/
28/05/2026
We were saddened to learn this week of the passing of Nancy 'Pat' Clothier, aged 106. Pat was one of the first women to enlist in the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service in 1942. She was given the service number 11. Click the link below to read the post from and learn more about Pat's service. The image we're sharing was taken of Pat in Waiouru during her time serving as a telegraphist at the naval radio station in . This image was found in one of the albums currently on display at the museum as part of the 'What a Life' photographic exhibition.
Image: Album 2006.186.111 PO Wren Noeline Fanning and Tony De Courcy 1943-44.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPXZcaZGy/
26/05/2026
in 1959 The Royal New Zealand Navy 1939-1945 Memorial at HMNZS Philomel was unveiled by the then Prime Minister, Sir Walter Nash. The wall and garden commemorate 550 personnel who lost their lives during and have no known grave. The wall underwent a major renovation in 2001 and was unveiled 26 Feb 2002 by HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh
25/05/2026
From the : Part of the 81st Motor Launch Flotilla (Fairmiles) on exercises at Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, ca. 1944. The image is one of a series from the Official Collection taken by a US Navy photographer.
Image: OC 102
24/05/2026
Our Autumn issue of Te Waka is live. Meet our new director, Kath McGhie, and explore a recent addition to the collection - the collection of sailor Ian Grant in Artefact Unpacked. https://bit.ly/TeWakaAutumn2026
22/05/2026
On this day in 1944 HMNZS Arabis, a Modified Flower Class Corvette departs Greenock, Scotland arriving in Auckland on 15th August, 1944. She served as Senior Officer of the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla at Renard Sound, Solomon Islands. Read about Arabis on our website: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/ships/arabis/
Image: ABK 0033
21/05/2026
Flashback Friday - from the Collection steel helmet with Naval Officers' cap badge painted on front. Worn by CDR W. Minchell as Inspector of Naval Ordnance RNZN 1948-74.
Object No: JGC 0001
20/05/2026
Our new feature photo shows three Wrens; unfortunately, we don't know their names. Let us know if you recognise one of the women. Photographed during WW2 by photographer Tudor Collins. Image: 2013.70.2501.
19/05/2026
The colder weather has hit and it's a great time to get out your knitting needles and create something to keep you and or a loved one as warm as toast. Need some pattern inspiration? Check out the knits those at home were encouraged to create to send to family and friends serving overseas during the Second World War.
Object No: BAU 0022
18/05/2026
On this day 84 years ago, 18 May 1942, Ruth Herrick was appointed as director of the newly established Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service – initially known as the Women's Royal Naval Service (New Zealand). Having been given a leave of absence from her role as Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides, she took up the appointment on 2 June at the Navy Office in Stout Street. She served as director until December 1946, when the WRNZNS was disbanded.
Image: APD 0002
14/05/2026
We're ending the week with a cute pic of a cat. Leading Wren Elizabeth Saunders holding her furry friend in the garden at Elizabeth House c1965. Does anyone remember the cat's name?
Image: GN 65 13054 01
13/05/2026
On this day in 1941, HMS Puriri, a minesweeping vessel hit a mine laid by the German Raider Orion and sank off Bream Head. Five of the ships company including the Commanding Officer were lost.
The 26 survivors were rescued by HMS Gale which was luckily close by at the time.
https://navymuseum.co.nz/.../puriri-minesweeping-vessel/
Image: ABN 002
12/05/2026
Happy Wednesday - traditionally in some cultures Wednesday is considered the best day to get married - so given it's Wednesday thought we'd share a great wedding image of a happy couple from our collection: Sub Lieutenant (later Lieutenant) D.G. Francis RNZNVR and his wife Leading Wren Patricia Francis (nee Rowe) on their wedding day 26 February, 1944 outside Holy Trinity Church, Brompton Road, London.
Image: 2006.92.45
12/05/2026
To mark International Nurses' Day - 12th May, we're sharing an image of a cape, embroidered with anchors, worn by RNZN Hospital Matron Christina McDonald. Christina joined the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps in 1943 and was immediately seconded to HMNZS Philomel (Devonport Naval Base). She became the Sister-in-Charge of the brand-new Royal New Zealand Naval Hospital.
In 1946, she reverted to the Army and managed the hospital in Japan for the occupying J Force. She stayed there until 1949, when she returned to Philomel as the Matron of the RNZN Hospital. She left the hospital in 1956. Christina later became the principal Matron of the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps before retiring in 1958.
Object No: 2005.1690.2.1
12/05/2026
From the archive, here's a famous face - Dame Kiri Te Kanawa during a visit in 1965 to HMNZS Tamaki with Cherry Raymond, a well-known broadcaster/ journalist at the time. Were you at Tamaki when Dame Kiri visited? Image: PN 65 01958 01
09/05/2026
Happy Mother's Day! To mark Mother's Day, we thought we'd share Lady Mary and her son Peter's poignant story, written a couple of years ago by Registrar, Hannah. Lieutenant Peter Allen of the Royal Navy's personal collection is one of the largest we look after. His mother, Lady Mary Allen, kept all the letters, telegrams, postcards, drawings, and watercolours he sent during his time in the Royal Navy from 1939 to 1942. https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/artefact-unpacked/to-a-mother-from-a-loving-son/
Object No: 2018.237.27
09/05/2026
🌸 Happy Mother’s Day!
🌸 Left it a little late to get a gift for someone special today?
🌸 Don’t worry - it happens!
🌸 is open 10-5 today and has ALL your gifting needs covered!!
08/05/2026
Remembering VE Day - 81 years ago today. Here's a fabulous image of five of the 12 Wrens selected to participate in the Victory Parade, held in London a year later in June 1946 to celebrate the defeat of the Axis powers. Along with the other Commonwealth nations, New Zealand was invited to send a contingent drawn from the three services to march in the Victory Parade. Twelve members of the WRNZNS were included: two officers, five senior rates and five junior rates. This image was taken of the five Wrens from Wellington leaving to join the New Zealand contingent, April 1946.
The Auckland Star at the time reported that the Wrens chosen were selected based on appearance and health. "In the matter of appearance, it was necessary to take height into consideration, so that the girls made a good impression when marching.... Finally, they had to be in perfect physical condition, in view of the hours of marching ahead of them in the Victory Parade."
L-R: Catherine Joan Matthews, nee Williams, possibly Verna Blair? Myna Dodds nee Percival, Bunty Pigott nee Longuet, Nan Barker nee Quirk.
Image: APD 0181
07/05/2026
Today is the 81st Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, more commonly known as VE Day, 8 May 1945, when the war against N**i Germany came to an end in Europe. Just over a year later, in June 1946, a Victory Parade to celebrate the end of the war in Europe and Japan was held in London. RNZN sent a contingent, including 12 Wrens, to participate in the parade.
Image: Victory Parade, London, June 1946. OC 803
03/05/2026
From the Official Collection - the launch of Q402, a Fairmile 'B' Class patrol Craft, 18 August 1943. Q402 served in the 81st Motor Launch Flotilla that saw service in the Solomon Islands under operational control of the US Navy based at Renard Sound, Russell Islands.
Photographer: John Pascoe Internal Affairs OC 515
01/05/2026
Great image from the Official Collection of a group of officers serving in Fairmile's cWW2.
Photographer: Tudor Collins OC 370
30/04/2026
From the Collection - Crew relaxing in the mess deck in HMNZS Muritai (T05) ca. 1943. At the time this image by was taken, Muritai was conducting shallow draft minesweeping from Tiritiri Matangi to Cape Rodney Image: Tudor Collins 2013.70.6069
29/04/2026
Our new feature image shows a gun crew cWW2. Vessel unknown. If you recognise someone in the image, please let us know.
Photographer: Tudor Collins 2013.70.2492
Address
64 King Edward Parade Devonport
Auckland
0624
To reach your destination at King Edward Parade in Devonport, Auckland, you have a couple of convenient options for both public transport and driving.
**Public Transport:**
1. **Ferry:** Take a ferry from Auckland Central (Auckland Ferry Terminal) to Devonport. The ferry ride takes about 12 minutes.
2. **Bus:** If you're coming from other parts of Auckland, you can catch a bus to Devonport. Routes such as the 805 or 806 will take you to the Devonport area.
3. **Walking:** Once you arrive in Devonport, it’s a short walk to King Edward Parade. Follow the signs towards the waterfront.
**Driving/Parking:**
1. If you're driving, head towards Devonport via State Highway 1 and follow signs for Devonport.
2. Upon arrival in the village, look for parking options along Victoria Road or nearby streets.
3. There are also designated parking areas near the waterfront where you can leave your vehicle.
Make sure to check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules before your journey!
Opening Hours
| Monday |
10am - 5pm |
| Tuesday |
10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday |
10am - 5pm |
| Thursday |
10am - 5pm |
| Friday |
10am - 5pm |
| Saturday |
10am - 5pm |
| Sunday |
10am - 5pm |
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What people say
At Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, visitors are invited to embark on a captivating journey through the rich maritime history of New Zealand. The museum beautifully captures the memories, challenges, and triumphs of the brave men and women who have served in the navy, showcasing their courage and commitment to safeguarding the nation.
Nestled at the base of North Head with stunning views over Waitemata Harbour, this museum is not just a place to learn about naval history; it’s an experience that resonates with both residents and international visitors alike. The stories told within its walls highlight the vital role that the navy has played in New Zealand's security and development as an island nation.
Accessibility is a priority at Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its offerings. It's conveniently located just a short 15-minute walk from Devonport Wharf or easily reachable via public transport.
For those looking to host events, the Whakatere Conference Room provides a unique venue within this historic setting, complete with catering options tailored to your needs.
Families will find plenty to engage young minds through diverse educational programs designed for schools and community groups. With exhibition tours and free resources available, it's an excellent opportunity for learning in an inspiring environment.
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a tribute to New Zealand's naval heritage that promises an enriching experience for all who visit.
