Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

**Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
** by Celia Walker

Tucked in by the southern cliffs of Maungauika North Head lies the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, which opened its doors in 2010. The museum site comprises several buildings redeveloped from their original naval uses, including a Mines Store, Boatshed and Shipwright’s Shop, all with their own stories to tell as well as those of the collections housed within. Storytelling is at the heart of the museum’s displays, with personal narratives giving richness to the drama of historical events.

Tragedies and losses are given a real face through photographs and objects that resonate: a heft of shrapnel, worn and faded war diaries, a panel of 1500 hand-crafted poppies commemorating those who have died in service.
The museum displays also highlight the diversity of the Navy’s activities, ranging from major sea battles to ocean rescues and disaster relief in the Pacific, and large-scale photos of navy personnel places the displays within the current scope of operations of the Navy itself. For those more interested in the craft of seafaring, the restored Boatshed by the Torpedo Bay Wharf contains a trove of vintage small vessels, with whaleboats, sailing dinghies and a Captain’s Gig.

Various architects contributed to the museum project, with Ken Davis from Herriot Melhuish Architects and Dave Pearson of Dave Pearson Heritage Architects consulting on the 2010 re-development of the heritage site, and Rick Pearson of Pearson and Associates Architects working on the interior design and fit-out.

Entry is free and there is an on-site cafe.

Image Credits: Celia Walker