Since my last post about visiting the north-eastern side of Waiheke Island for the initial first few days of the April school holidays, the weather has turned feral. My kids are old enough to contain themselves and are not climbing the wall, but I recall quite vividly the times that they were.
If you’re in Auckland and the driving weather isn’t too atrocious, you could swap the on-water activity for a visit to the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa which is located along the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. Your visit potentially offers a full day’s worth of engaging, educational and hands-on activities – all safely indoors and dry – and the advantage of some fantastic restaurants close by.
The Maritime Museum is a space where maritime history meets contemporary storytelling and artistry, with something on offer for every age group and interest.
Blue Water Black Magic: New Zealand’s yachting triumphs
With Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup win still hot in our memories, and knowing that The Ocean Race is heading to New Zealand in 2027 – as well the latest news events associated with SailGP and America’s Cup – what better time to explore New Zealand’s legacy in competitive sailing. Centred around NZL32 BLACK MAGIC, the yacht that won the 1995 America’s Cup, it tells the story of Kiwi innovation, leadership, and boat-building excellence; something we should all be proud of.
The exhibit features an interactive section where you can design and race your own yacht, in-depth coverage of the America’s Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy, and stories of legendary sailor Sir Peter Blake, from childhood on the Waitematā to leading global ocean campaigns. These are the things that must have inspired many of our contemporary sailors, from Peter Burling through to our young sailors trying their hardest to show what they can achieve on their Optimists. It’s a deep dive into the culture of high-performance sailing and the engineering feats behind winning vessels. Isn’t this the type of inspiration that keeps New Zealand at the forefront of world sailing?
Historic vessel sailings (weather permitting)
Once the weather clears, the museum’s historic vessels offer a brilliant way to experience Auckland’s harbour. You’ll have to book your place, but what a way to feel New Zealand’s maritime history? Options include Ted Ashby, a ketch-rigged scow used in coastal trading; Breeze, a replica 19th-century wooden sailing ship; Nautilus, a 110-year-old motor launch; SS Puke, a pint-sized but powerful 19th-century steam tug; and Aotearoa One, a modern waka hourua. These sailings are not just joyrides – they’re immersive experiences that bring maritime heritage to life. These adventures are what help inspire memories for life.
Landfalls Gallery: A deep dive into Aotearoa’s Maritime Past
For those interested in a more traditional museum experience, the Landfalls section covers the many voyages that shaped New Zealand. If you’ve ever wondered how early Polynesians navigated the voyage across the Pacific, or even the type of vessel they voyaged on; or the journeys early European explorers took to find New Zealand; and then once here how shipping influenced early New Zealand life. You might be surprised at how far our boating abilities have come since then. I think if someone had mentioned the use of foils to the European explorers they may have received the look of incredulousness.
Family-friendly activities
For those in your family who are enthralled by story telling, there’s a story telling adventure about, Mrs Chippy, the cat on Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance. Kids and adults – don’t let your inner youth stay contained – can get hands-on with marine-themed Easter crafts, or build Antarctic huts out of LEGO – perfect for fuelling creativity and curiosity.
Into Ocean & Ice Exhibition (until August 2025)
A major drawcard is the Into Ocean & Ice exhibition, which running until August 2025. This immersive installation offers a fresh take on Antarctica, as interpreted by five artists – four from Aotearoa and one from Italy. The New Zealand contingent – Tegan Allpress (Rongowhakaata), Peregrin Hyde (Ngāti Maniapoto), Rose Lasham, and Charlie Thomas – joined the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s 2023 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia, retracing Shackleton’s route.
Their works include photography, illustration, ceramics, painting, and interactive media, portraying the continent’s fragile beauty and the real-time impacts of the climate crisis on South Georgia’s glaciers and biodiversity. Italian artist Paola Folicaldi Suh, drawing from Frank Hurley’s original photos of Shackleton’s doomed 1914–1917 expedition, offers large-scale oil paintings that dive deep into the emotional and physical enormity of Antarctic survival.
A visit to the Auckland Maritime Museum is far more than just a wet-weather Plan B – it’s a comprehensive exploration of New Zealand’s maritime heritage, coupled with modern art, storytelling, and adventure. Whether you’re dropping in for a bit of hands-on school holiday fun, immersing yourself in the chilling drama of Shackleton’s Antarctic ordeal, or celebrating New Zealand’s sailing legends, this museum offers a compelling and enjoyable indoor destination.
