Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum invites visitors to explore the profound stories of those who have served New Zealand at sea, showcasing themes of memory, courage, and camaraderie. Positioned at the base of North Head in Devonport, Auckland, this museum highlights the essential role the navy has played in the country's security and development. Accessible by a short walk from Devonport Wharf or via public transport, it is designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with restricted mobility. The museum also offers unique venue hire options for conferences and a variety of educational programs tailored for schools and community groups.

Recent social media posts

21/10/2026

🐻🐻🐻

It has been a beary long wait for these guys!!

Our Sailor Bear, Torpedo Ted is back in stock online and instore now!!!

Hari huritau ki a Te Tauā Moana o Aotearoa!                October 1 1941, marks the official date the Royal New Zealand...
30/09/2026

Hari huritau ki a Te Tauā Moana o Aotearoa! October 1 1941, marks the official date the Royal New Zealand Navy was granted its royal title by King George VI, marking 85 years ago today. Today we take a look back to the moment the Governor General of New Zealand from 1941 – 1946, Baron Cyril Newall, signed the Navy Order.

🎶 SALE SALE SALE 🎶Our wonderful range of soft, huggable plush toys which feature a built in sound module which plays aut...
27/09/2026

🎶 SALE SALE SALE 🎶

Our wonderful range of soft, huggable plush toys which feature a built in sound module which plays authentic animal calls are on SALE for these school holidays!

🎶Emperor Penguin
🎶Dolphin
🎶Red Billed Gull
🎶Kiwi Bird
🎶Sea Lion
🎶Little Blue Penguin

Available instore and online NOW!

The Navy Museum Store has a diverse range of naval themed gifts for all ages and to suit a range of budgets.

This September/October school holiday, the Antarctic Heritage Trust and the Navy Museum invite you to explore Sir Edmund...
24/09/2026

This September/October school holiday, the Antarctic Heritage Trust and the Navy Museum invite you to explore Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut through a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) experience! Step inside Hillary’s hut and find out what life was like for Sir Ed’s team living in the world’s most extreme environment whilst furthering science and exploration. This digital experience will transport you to Antarctica without getting cold!

The VR experience takes approximately 15 minutes. It is suitable for everyone aged 9 years old and over. We’ll have other fun activities available for the under-9s.

The VR experience will be live at the museum from Monday 28th September to Friday 2nd October from 10am – 2.30pm. Spaces are limited; book now to avoid disappointment. To book your session, please email [email protected]

Here's an awesome image from the   -  HMNZS Endeavour 1 crew at Scott Base, 1961. Image: ABC 0016
22/09/2026

Here's an awesome image from the - HMNZS Endeavour 1 crew at Scott Base, 1961. Image: ABC 0016

🐧Join us for some FUN these School Holidays with our FREE Holiday Activities! 🐧🐧Ages 3+🐧Open 7 days🐧10 - 5
20/09/2026

🐧Join us for some FUN these School Holidays with our FREE Holiday Activities! 🐧

🐧Ages 3+
🐧Open 7 days
🐧10 - 5

E whakanui ana mātou i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - We're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - the theme for the week is Ake...
18/09/2026

E whakanui ana mātou i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - We're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - the theme for the week is Ake Ake Ake - A Forever Language - Te Reo Towns, celebrating the communities that keep Te Reo Māori alive. We're unpacking the Museum's Te Reo name: Te Waka Huia o Te Taua Moana O Aotearoa. Te Waka Huia means Treasure Box, and Te Taua Moana O Aotearoa is the New Zealand Navy.

E whakanui ana mātou i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori mā te aro ki ngā kōrero hītori o te Te Taua Moana e whakatauira ana i ngā ...
16/09/2026

E whakanui ana mātou i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori mā te aro ki ngā kōrero hītori o te Te Taua Moana e whakatauira ana i ngā uara o Te Taua Moana.

We’re celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by focusing on stories from Navy history that exemplify the Navy’s values. Today we're focusing on the Navy's value: Tū Kaha - Courage. Steve has selected the story of Lieutenant Commander Archibald Richardson RNZNVR

Soon after the outbreak of WW2, Richardson left Gisborne to volunteer for the RNZAF and was put on the waiting list. In 1940 he opted to join the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. In July 1942, he joined 891 Squadron and was posted to es**rt carrier HMS Dasher. He flew a Sea Hurricane in Operation ‘Torch’, the American landings on Vichy Algeria.

In June 1944, he was on fleet aircraft carrier HMS Indefatigable, one of three carriers and support ships that participated in Operation ‘Mascot’. Eighty-nine aircraft attacked the German battleship Admiral Von Tirpitz, which had been discovered hiding in a Norwegian fiord.

On 24 August, LT CDR Richardson led a strike force of 78 aircraft to attack the Tirpitz. Without any regard to his own safety, he led three low-level attacks through intense anti-aircraft fire, but on his last dive he was hit and crashed into the ship. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches and is commemorated on the RNZN Memorial, Devonport, Auckland.

Another New Zealander, Sub Lt. Clive Woodward RNZNVR, was also killed on the same raid and is buried at Tromso Cemetery, Norway.
Image: L-R LT CDR (A) Richardson, SLT Fraser, Lt Gilbert, SLT Leighton FAA 2014.32

E whakanui ana mātou i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori mā te aro ki ngā kōrero hītori o te Te Taua Moana e whakatauira ana i ngā ...
14/09/2026

E whakanui ana mātou i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori mā te aro ki ngā kōrero hītori o te Te Taua Moana e whakatauira ana i ngā uara o Te Taua Moana. Ka tīmata ki a Tū Tira.

We’re celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by focusing on stories from our Navy's history that exemplify the Navy’s values. Starting with Tū Tira.

We're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori language week) 14-20th September. The theme is Ake Ake Ake A Forever language - Te Reo Towns – a celebration of communities who have kept Te Reo Māori alive. Here at the museum, we've decided to focus on the Navy's values and stories in the museum or in the collection that exemplify the values. We're kicking off with Tū Tira – Commitment.

Following the death of her son aboard HMS Irresistible in 1915, Emily ‘Ma’ Burrows dedicated years of support to the sailors of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Every Sunday, she delivered treats including fresh fruit and baking and did small jobs such as mending socks and delivering letters. Ma Burrows became a well-known figure in the Navy and for her years of commitment was recognised with full military honours at her funeral in 1933. Both Ma Burrows and her son William’s medals can be viewed in the Medals Collection at Torpedo Bay Navy Museum.
Image: Here is Emily 'Ma' Burrows with sailors from HMS Philomel EZB 0016

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

Telephone

+6494455186

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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.