The second period of the New Zealand Wars lasted from 1860-1866. This time over a dozen British warships came to New Zealand waters during the conflict. Naval brigades, comprising Marines and sailors landed from the warships, and played an important part during the campaigns. Able Seaman Odgers won the Victoria Cross during the naval brigade's assault on Waireka Pa, Taranaki.
The Waikato campaign of 1863-66 created the need for armed and protected vessels on the Waikato River. Some coastal trading vessels were purchased by the New Zealand government and refitted for the campaign. In addition, three gunboats were specially designed and built in Sydney. They were all shallow draught stern paddle-wheelers and were manned by a mixture of personnel from the Royal Navy, the Waikato Regiments and some civilians. After the cessation of hostilities they were all sold.
The Auckland and Onehunga Naval Volunteer units saw active service in the Waikato during 1863 and 1864.
In 1863, the Commodore of the Australia Station sailed for Auckland to consult with the Governor, in the new steam corvette HMS ORPHEUS. On 7 February ORPHEUS attempted to enter Manukau Harbour but a navigation error caused the ship to go aground on the bar. Heavy swells forced the ship to broach, and over the course of the day it began to break up. The sailors gathered in the rigging hoping for rescue, but as night fell the masts toppled and many were drowned. All told, 189 men were lost that day; it remains New Zealand's worst shipwreck.
The following year, other tribes decided to support the Maori King movement. The warriors gathered at Tauranga, so the Navy swiftly moved soldiers to the area. In addition, a naval brigade and artillery were landed, comprising over 400 sailors and Royal Marines from four warships. Captain Hamilton RN, commanding officer of HMS ESK, commanded the naval brigade. Commander Hay RN of HMS HARRIER led the first assault on 29 April, but was wounded; Coxswain Mitchell carried him from the pa, earning the Victoria Cross. Captain Hamilton brought the reserve force in support, and was killed (the city of Hamilton is named after him). The battle of Gate Pa was a tactical victory for the Maori, but that night they evacuated the fortification and five days later were defeated at Te Ranga.