Torpedo Bay Navy Museum image

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

Compact museum with a cafe offering historical Navy exhibitions, artifacts & educational programs. People often mention museum, staff, cafe, great, visit, Museum, interesting, free, kids, good,


Address

64 King Edward Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

Website

navymuseum.co.nz

Contact

+64 9 445 5186

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (24) staff (16) cafe (13) great (12) visit (11) Museum (10) interesting (8) free (8) kids (8) good (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 R A. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow what a hidden gem. A really well presented Museum full of interesting displays and free of charge (donations greatly appreciated). There is also a cool play ground for kids and a lovely cafe for lunch and coffee right on the waterfront, with good parking. Definitely recommend a visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gilbert O. 8 months ago on Google • 1025 reviews
    Interesting and well laid out displays. Well worth a walk over to visit. However, similar to the war memorial museum, they seem to let local residents in for free, subsidised by charging foreign resident tourists I travel the world a lot, and am quite surprised at how discriminatory NZ is against foreign tourists, with regard to milking them at these locations, when compared to most other countries Why not just operate an equality entry policy with the normal reductions for kids and pensioners, which sends out a more welcoming message. I'm sure locals would be equally happy to support these quality venues through modest entrance fees
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan D. 1 year ago on Google
    Just amazing. So much history. And it's free
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 1 year ago on Google • 217 reviews
    Free entry. Donations encouraged. Helpful and knowledgeable staff.A small museum with stories to tell. The buildings it is housed in have a great story to tell. Full marks to those who made the decision to use the buildings instead of demolishing them and putting up a new purpose-built building. We loved the way excavated features such as the turntables were integrated into the displays. Stories and experiences of real people and the realities of life at sea, wartime conditions and roles during various conflicts. This is a must see. The Cafe is great, too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikhil D. 2 months ago on Google • 822 reviews New
    Nice little museum with a cafe next to it. Free to enter for NZ citizens and residents. It ain't no Te Papa, but it does have some interesting stuff. Will come back for a visit when we are next in the area. The play area outside is quite cool too. The penguin finding game they have put in for the kids is fun too. Some of the penguins are hard to spot.

  • 5/5 Joanie B. 2 years ago on Google
    It was very interesting discovering some of New Zealand's history and conquests. There are items on display, with interactive ipads, and monitors. The monument in honour of the fallen heroes is very moving. All the staff were very friendly. There is also a lovely coffee shop on site, which allows you to look out over the harbour and the city. There is a playground for younger children
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Avinash K. 3 years ago on Google
    A must place to visit while in Devonport. Free parking for Museum and Cafe visitors. Entry if Free, but a donation of $5 at the entry is much appreciated. The staff is great and they welcome and guide the visitors well. The Navy Museum gives insight about the history of NZ contribution in the World Wars. The displays are amazing and well preserved. Kids playing area is clean and fun. The café serves fresh food and coffee. Love the atmosphere and the walk to the boat shed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacky G. 2 years ago on Google
    Well arranged, entertaining and interesting exhibits. Great little cafe next door and wharf were you can see boaties in the busy Harauki gulf.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan N. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice little museum. Easy to find parking nearby. Lots of interesting memorabilia and pictures of soldiers who were brave or lost lives. Tons of very well done ship replica models. You might learn something like I did, flags on the ship have a coded meaning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John B. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic, friendly knowledgeable staff, loads of exciting information, interactive resources. An excellent well run museum with a wealth of information and stories. All facilities superb, cafe wonderful and again also very helpful from all aspects, particularly since we had come from Scotland to visit. Will hopefully and almost certainly return, god willing. Thanks all for a wonderful day. Met with loads of staff and all wonderful, Euan, Michael, Andrew, Stewart and David, all the administration staff and kitchen staff. What a wonderful museum and what lovely people. John and Maureen Blake
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria-Theresa K. 7 months ago on Google • 180 reviews
    Attended here with a group of ladies, and we had a good time. Our guide was informative. I particularly enjoyed the wee space that was dedicated to the WRNZNS, the womans service to the New Zealand Navy. Our group had a lovely luncheon there. It was a good day. The place is set on the waterfront in Devonport, and the sight is gorgeous even though it was late winter.

  • 5/5 Robert G. 9 months ago on Google • 160 reviews
    I've been to this museum twice (although many years apart). It's not particularly large, but it is a very informative museum that details the history of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The exhibits are informative but given the size I don't think it takes more than an hour to go through everything. Also serves as a great excuse to escape from the Auckland CBD, just taking a short ferry ride to Devonport and then a nice walk along the waterfront for 10-15 minutes.

  • 5/5 Daniel K. 6 months ago on Google • 62 reviews
    Underrated museum that after almost nine years of living in Auckland I knew nothing about until I visited with my son this weekend. Free for Aucklanders - but I donated $10 because of how great this place is. Very informative exhibits, well maintained, beautiful old buildings incorporated into the new, and probably the best maintained and stocked kid’s art and craft room I’ve come across. Didn’t get a chance to try the cafe but it’s popular and has great views back over to the city. Car parking on site is limited but plenty of on-street parking a short walk away.

  • 5/5 My O. 3 months ago on Google • 61 reviews New
    The Navy Museum in Devonport offers a captivating journey through maritime history, showcasing a diverse range of naval artifacts and exhibits. The well-curated displays provide insightful glimpses into New Zealand's naval heritage, making it an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum's attention to detail and interactive elements enhance the overall enjoyment, making it a must-visit for those with not just an interest in naval history but for everyone.

  • 4/5 Vanessa L. 3 months ago on Google • 31 reviews New
    While it is a small museum it's just enough for kids attention spans. My eldest and middle sons are very much into ships, so enjoyed everything on display. We were greeted politely when we arrived and given a little run down on what was on offer.

  • 4/5 Irene H. 3 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    Very interesting. Only holds a fraction of stuff that the old museum did, however the staff are super helpful and if possible, can arrange for you to view items. There is a lovely cafe there so take advantage. The small playground outside keeps the kids amused.

  • 5/5 Amelia A. 9 months ago on Google
    Love visiting this Cafe. Lovely location and views. Friendly staff, quick service, and delicious food and coffee. We had the crepes, fish and chips, and panini.

  • 5/5 nzmonsterman 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed this. Another area of remembrance that those that gave so much don't get the recognition they deserve. So nice seeing how ordinary these men were. I wish there was more to it as with other naval museums around the world but its doesn't appear to be a focus of NZ. The bonus is the Naval base down the road has a turret from the Achilles and the gun control tower on display. 🙂👍

  • 5/5 Dr Brett H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is really a very "under the radar" Museum but is an absolute must to visit. Car parking is free, entry is free, but a small $5 donation is welcome. I especially liked the signage when you enter that states you are on Defence Force property - it makes you appreciate the experience so much more. This Museum is part of our Navy and it really feels like a privilege to be invited in. I only have one suggestion, you seriously need to see if you can create a maritime link with the NZ Maritime Museum, being able to take a vessel from your Museum to theirs (and vise versa) would be an amazing experience!

  • 5/5 Nikki R. 2 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    A great spot. The kids loved it here, they catered so well for the younger crowd with a Morse code scavenger hunt, and you learn alot about our navy. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The kids loved the playground outside too. The cafe looked good but we didn't stay for food. Next time.

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    Small concise NZ naval museum, quiet on the day we visited due to covid and the boat shed wasn't open gives us something to come back for, also can walk out on the pier to watch people fishing, the old convalescence pool for injured soldiers very moving, tucked into the shoreline alongside. Worth a visiting as lots to do also nearby

  • 5/5 Neera N. 2 years ago on Google
    Very educational and interesting Cafe on the beach view was amazing. Toilet was fresh and clean. A bit sad that a portion of the museum was under maintenance but we will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Sioux S. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome displays and a sense of time and place as you walk through. Did not expect it to be so fascinating. Finished off with a wonderful lunch in the cafe. Seriously good food and coffee. Highly recommend this museum A+++

  • 5/5 Alex M. 1 year ago on Google
    The Museum is great we have a lot to be very proud about our Navy. I cant believe that is free if you have not been there I can highly recommend it. The food at the cafe is also very good. I will definitely be back.

  • 4/5 Brons “Bronz” L. 9 months ago on Google
    Toepwdo Bay Navy Museum is an awesome place to bring either your family or partner for a date or a bite to eat. The cafe staff have excellent customer service, and the food is loaded with flavor. The coffee is top-notch, too. Great Naval displays that are rich in Naval history. Really enjoy the personal testimonials of current and ex serving personnel. Really like how there is a cultural presence here, too. Did lose a point here on the parking. When it's busy, it can be really hard to find parking close by.

  • 5/5 Miryam P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very good museum. It’s free. He is big, interested.

  • 5/5 Richard S. 1 year ago on Google
    Smaller museum but some really interesting panels and artefacts to have a good browse around. Enthusiastic staff and a really lovely location. The attached cafe seems very popular and there is a playground outside for the kids.

  • 4/5 PJM 10 months ago on Google
    Since my last visit, prior to the covid lockdown, I found a new section had been opened,expanding on what was already a very comprehensive and detailed account and display of New Zealand's Naval history for oneself - there is much to read about and take on board.

  • 5/5 Darren W. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best museums in this city. Fascinating exhibits supported with informative activities make for a fun day out for all ages. The staff are outstanding. Not only do they know their stuff, but they love their jobs and it shows! Nothing was too much trouble. Do yourself a favour, park in the city, catch the ferry to Devonport and walk along the promenade to Torpedo Bay museum. Also take a moment for an ice cream or some fish and chips! Great day out for all the family!

  • 4/5 Nishant G. 1 year ago on Google
    Though donations are welcome, it's a free entry place. The staff is friendly. The museum is nice to see lots of war ship models, uniforms, mines. There is cafe also inside.

  • 5/5 Amornwan S. 1 year ago on Google
    I would definately recommand everyone to visit this museum. Super friendly and welcoming staffs. We were impressed with the details in every little batterships there and kids' activitity zone was a great fun.

  • 5/5 Hamish B. 1 year ago on Google
    I went to the museum today and it’s such a great place! Unfortunately the cafe was about to close so I wasn’t able to grab any food but Euan was super helpful at the reception and gave me a great quick explanation about where things were in the museum. Definitely visit the museum if you have time! I would recommend at least an hour to look around at everything

  • 5/5 Hannah E. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great visit here a few weeks ago. The staff members there were very welcoming and took time to introduce me to all the areas in the museum. Highly recommended for a visit!

  • 5/5 Dave B. 1 year ago on Google
    Unbelievable museum for such a quaint venue ... well conceived & curated, say nothing of the well informed & friendly staff ... Wish we'd had more time!


Call +64 9 445 5186 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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