Boat Trips & Cruises · Auckland CBD

Ted Ashby Sailings

4.62,873 Google reviews

Younger kids (4–8)Older kids (9+)Outdoors Free

How muchTe utu: Free
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: maritimemuseum.co.nz
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 15 Aug 2026

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LocationTe wāhi

Auckland CBD

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Directions Website

What it is

Ted Ashby is a ketch-rigged deck scow of the kind that once worked the shallow harbours and estuaries of northern New Zealand, carrying timber, sand, and livestock. Built by Maritime Museum staff and volunteers in the traditional manner and launched in 1993, she is constructed of blackbutt hardwood with a cross-planked, flat-bottomed hull — a faithful echo of the roughly 130 scows built in the north between 1873 and 1925.

Sailings last around an hour on the Waitematā, taking in the Auckland city skyline, the Sky Tower, and the Harbour Bridge from the sea. Children can lend a hand hoisting the sails or simply watch the city slip past from the deck. Life jackets are supplied for all children under 14, and prams are permitted on board.

Sailing passes include admission to the Museum, and the vessel can also be chartered for private events of up to 40 people. It is a rare chance for families to experience Auckland Harbour aboard a working piece of the city's maritime history.

What other parents say

Edith Wong6 months ago

Loved the whole concept of the musuem. Took one of the sailings. Being an aucklander you get to go at half the price. Entry also free. 🤗😍 Love talking to the volunteers during the sails to know about auckland. We even could do up the sails .... It was slow cruise but truly learnt a bit on sailing 😊😊 also. Met some interesting tourists. Also loved the view from the museum.

Lou O'Brien3 months ago

We could have spent all day here! We started with a boat cruise of the harbour which was just incredible and such a fun, unique way to see Auckland. The volunteers both in the boat and in the museum were friendly and enthusiastic and full of amazing information that made it visit do much better. I loved how interactive the whole experience was. I would highly recommend adding this to your visit to Auckland.

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Fred Manuel5 months ago

Great place for all ages. There’s a lot of fascinating history and plenty of nostalgic displays that really bring New Zealand’s maritime story to life. We especially enjoyed learning about how tangata whenua first navigated and arrived in Aotearoa — that part was really well presented. Our favourite area was the America’s Cup section. Seeing the replica cup up close was awesome and a real highlight. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Auckland.

Sagar Godbole7 months ago

A wonderful museum where you can learn a lot about NZ Maritime history but also about sailing and seafaring in general! There's also hundred of models of canoes, sail boats and ships to see. Located right at the viaduct harbour, I could enjoy amazing gusting wind on a summer day. You can also buy tickets which include a sail boat sailing but the sailing gets full pretty fast so go early if you want that! There's 2 sail times - 10:30am and 1:30pm and it gets cancelled if the weather is acting up 🌨️

Tarciane Bilinski Assef6 months ago

The Museum is bigger rather you can imagine and brings you a world of interest information about the seas, it's creatures and the and humans adventures over them. There is always side activities like puzzles and colorings for the kids or while you need a little rest for your legs. We (my family) also enjoyed the Sailing Experience ⛵️ and it was beautiful!

Reviews from Google.