Torpedo Bay - New national New Zealand Navy Museum in 2010

Te kainga te waka taonga te taua moana
Torpedo bay

The current view of Torpedo Bay, Devonport. Torpedo Bay was known as Haukapua and also Pilots Bay. The Tainui canoe landed here and later large fishing waka also landed, cleaning nets and repairing gear. A local Maori village (kainga) was located here from 1830-1863.

 

The Navy Museum is moving from its current site in Spring Street Devonport to Torpedo Bay on the waterfront and just beside North Head.

Torpedo Bay itself is of exceptional heritage significance. Rich pre-European history coupled with 19th century military history make this site a unique choice for the new museum.

Existing buildings on the site will be adapted to accommodate the new Museum. These buildings were originally a 19th century mining establishment. 

The daring German sea Captain Von Luckner was held prisoner at Torpedo Bay during WW1, before being transferred to the island prison at Motuihe in the Hauraki Gulf. The cell in the cliff still exists and will be part of the museum's outside exhibits.

The museum will open to the public in late 2010.