Ted Ashby heritage vessel in Museum harbour
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New Zealand Maritime Museum Auckland

4.6
·3k reviews·Auckland, New Zealand

Explore New Zealand's seafaring past through captivating exhibits and sail Auckland's harbour on a historic scow.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Free family craft activities!

CrowdMedium
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Ted Ashby heritage vessel in Museum harbour

New Zealand Maritime Museum Auckland

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Free family craft activities! Instagram

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore New Zealand's seafaring past through captivating exhibits and sail Auckland's harbour on a historic scow.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A fabulous way to spend the day, wet or fine, with first-class displays and friendly volunteers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Book Ted Ashby in Advance

Secure your spot on the heritage scow cruise; it's a popular experience!

👨‍👩‍👧 Free Sunday Crafts

Auckland residents get free entry & kids can enjoy 'Make Days' on Sundays.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,601 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ted Ashby Sailing Cruise

Ted Ashby Sailing Cruise

Waitematā Harbour

Sail Auckland's harbor on a historic scow, enjoying stunning city views and sea breezes.

Instagram
America's Cup Exhibition

America's Cup Exhibition

Blue Water Black Magic Exhibition

Relive New Zealand's iconic America's Cup victories with interactive displays and memorabilia.

Reddit
Sentinel: Seabirds of Aotearoa

Sentinel: Seabirds of Aotearoa

Immersive Exhibition

Experience a unique blend of art and science showcasing New Zealand's native seabirds.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Sailing Adventure

The Ted Ashby sailing cruise is a highlight, but spots fill up fast! Book online in advance, especially for weekend or summer slots, to secure your place on this charming heritage scow. Instagram

Free Entry for Auckland Residents

Auckland residents enjoy free general admission to the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Check for 'Make Days' on Sundays for free family craft activities. Instagram

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Free family craft activities! Instagram
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit.
Crowd
Low
When
Summer sailing
Why
Best weather for harbour cruises.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Follow for more inspo 🥰 This is the commuter ferry between downtown Auckland and Devonport ⛴️ Running usually every 30 mins depending on time of day. Check Google for sunset time and head out around then, then back for the city lights 🌅 It’s only $5.40 / adult with the Hop card or less if you’re a child / student etc ✔️ One of my favourite things to do in Auckland! For the best views 😍
@liliaalexander
41K likes • 518.7K views

🚢 Book Ted Ashby in Advance

Secure your spot on the heritage scow cruise; it's a popular experience! InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Free Sunday Crafts

Auckland residents get free entry & kids can enjoy 'Make Days' on Sundays. Instagram

🇳🇿🏔 #aucklandcity #auckland #aucklandeats #aucklandtiktok #aucklandtodo #thingstodoinauckland #backpackingnewzealand #backpackingnz #aucklandcheap #aucklandmustdo
@megtomos
26.6K likes • 1.1M views
Uncover a true hidden gem nestled in the heart of Auckland - NZ Maritime Museum. ⛵🛟   Discover artifacts, ship models, and captivating maritime art that showcase the seafaring life. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a family seeking adventure, everyone is welcome to step aboard and set sail through New Zealand's maritime heritage. 🌊🚣‍♂️   ℹ️  Find out more via 🔗 in bio. . . . @nzmaritimemuseu...
aklcouncil
692 likes • 112.2K views

☕ Bring Snacks for Sailing

The boat trip can be long for kids; pack snacks and drinks. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Waterfront

Combine your visit with a stroll to the Viaduct Harbour. Reddit

New Zealand Maritime Museum ⚓️ is a gem at the beautiful Auckland Waterfront. Many free interactive exhibition and activities. My favorite with my short visit is Sentinel - an immersive exhibition of Aotearoa’s seabirds where art meets with science- now until 27Oct 2024. @nzmaritimemuseum https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz #LuminarySparks ✨ #maritimemuseum #newzealand #visitNewZealand #scienceand...
mlle_ann_
0 likes • 247 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Book Ted Ashby in Advance

Secure your spot on the heritage scow cruise; it's a popular experience! InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Free Sunday Crafts

Auckland residents get free entry & kids can enjoy 'Make Days' on Sundays. Instagram

☕ Bring Snacks for Sailing

The boat trip can be long for kids; pack snacks and drinks. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Waterfront

Combine your visit with a stroll to the Viaduct Harbour. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Volunteers

Friendly volunteers offer great insights and stories. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the New Zealand Maritime Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the America's Cup section and the Ted Ashby sailing cruise. The friendly volunteers and well-maintained facilities are often highlighted as positives. Some international visitors have reported feeling less welcome on the sailing trip, though the museum itself is generally described as informative and peaceful.

"What a fabulous way to spend the day, wet or fine, the volunteers are super friendly knowledgeable and helpful. Now the displays physical and graphic are absolutely first class as are the theatre’s short films, Peter Blake especially good! All the exhibits are neat, and clean as are facilities, souvenir shop has some interesting items at reasonable prices. Of very special interest, ETHEL after a lot of hard toil by dedicated yaghtsmen Kevin & John to restore her from her depths of despair as a site seeing black fake PIRATE SHIP prior to total refit and refurbishment by the team!
I would absolutely recommend not missing this well orchestrated easy to manage super interesting attraction to all discerning visitors and residents of Auckland city New Zealand!
Arthur C. CHARLTON
west AUCKLAND N.Z."

Arthur Charlton

"We booked the Ted Ashby sailing boat to try the experience and then walked around the museum afterward. The lady at reception was very kind and welcoming to both me and my daughter. She was friendly and made my daughter feel happy and special as a young visitor.

However, during the boat trip, we felt like strangers—possibly because we were Arab international visitors. While we understand that we were new faces, we had hoped for a warmer and more inclusive atmosphere. Unfortunately, the uncomfortable feeling made me wish the trip would end before the scheduled time.

I recommend that anyone planning to try the sailing boat bring some tea or coffee, a few snacks, and small games or activities for the kids, as the ride can get a bit boring—especially for younger children.

The museum itself was informative, well-organized, and peaceful. The coffee shop was also nice, and the lovely lady working there was truly the highlight of the entire visit."

Bayan Al Dakheel

"We have been to Maritime museums almost everywhere we go and truly this was one of the best! It not only showed the boats of the Maori but the history of the people as well. We found it to be very interesting. We took the free tour which was incredibly informative. I highly recommend visiting this museum when you are in Auckland."

Sue Longson

What People Like

Engaging exhibits
Ted Ashby sailing
Friendly volunteers

What People Dislike

Inconsistent welcome on boat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at the Viaduct Harbour, easily accessible from downtown Auckland. You can walk from the ferry terminal or Queen Street. Reddit It's also a short distance from many central city hotels. Parking is available nearby, though can be pricey. TikTok

Yes, the museum is very close to the downtown ferry terminal, making it convenient if you're arriving from areas like Devonport. TikTok Buses also frequently service the downtown area. TikTok

Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from Queen Street and the central business district, taking about 10-15 minutes. Reddit

There are several parking buildings and street parking options around the Viaduct Harbour and downtown Auckland. Be aware that parking fees can add up. TikTok

From Auckland Airport, you can take the SkyBus to the city center and then walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to the museum. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is free for Auckland residents. For visitors, there's a fee, but it's considered good value for the exhibits and potential sailing experiences. Instagram

While general admission for residents is free, it's highly recommended to book tickets for the Ted Ashby sailing cruise in advance, as they can sell out. InstagramReddit

Yes, Auckland residents can enjoy free general admission. Additionally, 'Make Days' on Sundays offer free family craft activities. Instagram

The museum is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. Instagram

You can usually purchase tickets on the day for museum entry. However, for the popular Ted Ashby sailing trips, booking ahead is strongly advised. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the America's Cup exhibition for a deep dive into New Zealand's sailing triumphs, and the 'Sentinel' exhibition for a unique look at seabirds. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find the hour-long cruise on the heritage scow a highlight, offering great harbor views and a unique historical experience. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's very family-friendly! Interactive exhibits, the 'Make Days' on Sundays, and the sailing trip make it engaging for children. InstagramReddit

Yes, free guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and New Zealand's maritime history. Reddit

Combine exploring the indoor exhibits with a sailing trip on the Ted Ashby. Allow at least 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers refreshments. Visitors have praised the friendly staff there. Reddit

The Viaduct Harbour is packed with restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of cuisines, from casual to fine dining. TikTok

While there's a cafe, it's advisable to check the museum's policy on outside food and drinks, especially if you plan to consume them on the premises. Reddit

Yes, you can find more affordable options a short walk away from the immediate Viaduct Harbour, or consider grabbing a pie from a local bakery. TikTok

Auckland has a diverse food scene. Don't miss trying a classic Kiwi meat pie, fresh seafood, and exploring the various international cuisines available. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the Ted Ashby scow, the Auckland skyline from the harbour, and the detailed ship models and artifacts inside. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but be mindful of any specific restrictions on flash or professional photography. TikTok

Golden hour, around sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the harbour and city views. TikTok+1

The Viaduct Harbour itself provides a picturesque backdrop with its yachts and waterfront architecture. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for both indoor exhibits and harbour views. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the ships. TikTok

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