New Zealand Maritime Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is New Zealand Maritime Museum?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Hands-on yacht-design screens, craft Sundays, the noon cannon and kid-priced sailings turn maritime history into a lively, safe 1–3 hour outing for 5- to 12-year-olds.
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Positives:
- Hands-on Learning: Interactive exhibits let children learn by doing, not just looking.
- Free Guided Tours: Guides share kid-friendly stories on daily tours at 10:30am from Thu–Sun.
- Pram and Stroller Access: Elevators and ramps make it easy to move strollers between floors.
Challenges:
- Noisy Cannon Blast: The 12pm cannon can startle children; consider ear protection or stand further back.
- Limited Craft Seating: Sunday Make Days seating is first-come, so arrive early or children may stand.
- Sailing Age and Weight Limits: Check museum rules for minimum child age/weight before booking a cruise.
What is New Zealand Maritime Museum?
- A waterfront museum dedicated to New Zealand’s maritime heritage and seafaring traditions
- Fourteen themed galleries charting ocean navigation from Polynesian voyaging and European settlement to coastal trade and yacht racing
- A collection that includes historic vessels, detailed ship models, nautical artifacts and life-size reconstructions in a purpose-built museum complex
What is so special about New Zealand Maritime Museum for with kids?
- Interactive sailing and racing games engage kids hands-on
- Free crafts and story sessions keep younger children entertained
- Mid-day cannon blast offers a thrilling sensory experience
- Heritage sailing cruise allows kids to hoist sails on the harbour
- Family pass and guided tours deliver good value and stories for all ages
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets a family complete interactive galleries, crafts, a tour, and enjoy the harbour cruise without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in New Zealand Maritime Museum
Interactive Exhibits:
Design and race your own yacht on a touchscreen and explore the Pacific Canoes gallery games.
Tip: Start here to keep kids engaged and use quieter early hours for better screen access.
Sunday Make Days Crafts:
Join free crafts sessions on selected Sundays to build model boats and take them home.
Tip: Arrive at 10am to grab a seat and bring old clothes for messy glue work.
Storytime Sessions:
Enjoy 30-minute sea-themed story readings every Friday at 10:30am.
Tip: Seat your children close to the front so they can see illustrations clearly.
Mid-day Cannon Blast:
Watch or feel the 12pm cannon fire from the wharf pontoons.
Tip: Stand back if little ones are sensitive to loud noises or bring ear protection.
Heritage Sailing Cruise:
Set sail on the Ted Ashby with children hoisting sails under crew guidance.
Tip: Book the 11:30am cruise in advance and pack sunhat and sunscreen.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to New Zealand Maritime Museum
- Pre-book Cruises: Book heritage sailing online at least one day ahead to secure spots.
- Combine Activities: Time your visit to catch the 12pm cannon and then head to Storytime or crafts.
- Use Family Pass: Save on entry by choosing the family pass instead of individual tickets.
Reviews of New Zealand Maritime Museum
Sue Longson
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.
skyla kirk
As a huge America's Cup fan. There is only one thing I go to the Maritime Museum for. And that is my favorite America's Cup yacht and my hero. Sir Peter Blake. The Blue Water Black Magic exhibition is my go to. I have an obsession with the America's Cup and the campaign off San Diego in 1995 is the reason I fell in love with yacht racing. The presentation of what I think is New Zealand's greatest ...
Arthur Charlton
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...
Bayan Al Dakheel
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 ...
Nars Ch
We had been here several times to visit the museum but Today it's our first time to book for the sailing. Even if it's winter time it's still beautiful sailing out in the harbour for an hour. Crew are all awesome. No waiting time. I did book online so it's easier for us to just show our tickets. We did enjoy an hour of sailing. Surely we will be back by summer time. I highly recommend Maritime Mus...
When is the best time to visit New Zealand Maritime Museum (Auckland, New Zealand)?
Summer months bring more sunny sailing days but stronger sun. In winter, stick to indoor galleries and check rainproof coats for harbour breeze.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) | NZD 58 |
| Heritage Sailing Cruise (2 adults) | NZD 126 |
| Heritage Sailing Cruise (2 children) | NZD 60 |
| Snacks at Café Koel | NZD 30 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 274 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of New Zealand Maritime Museum
Address: Corner of Quay and Hobson Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1140, New Zealand
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About New Zealand Maritime Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
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