Navy’s largest ship sails into its New Plymouth home port

Since last in its home port in 2023, the ship and crew has sailed to Antarctica on a resupply mission to McMurdo Station and Scott Base; conducted a series of replenishments at sea and port visits in Asia; and supported the United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

Public open day:

The Commanding Officer of Aotearoa, Commander Rob Welford, and the ship‘s company, would like to welcome the public to tour the ship on Saturday, 7 February.

“This is very much their ship and we’ll be very proud to show them around,” said Commander Welford. “Everything about our Navy’s largest-ever ship is big – in capability and capacity – so there will be plenty to experience while on board.”

Where:

• Public tours of Aotearoa will begin and end at Port Taranaki’s East Gate, on Ocean View Parade, adjacent to the New Plymouth Yacht Club.
• The waiting area for buses will be in the tree-covered area near the children’s playground at Ngāmotu Beach.
• Buses will take groups to the vessel and return to the same location.
• Public parking is available along Ocean View Parade and the adjacent reserve.

When:

Saturday, 7 February 2026

Time:

10am to 3.30pm

Note: There are likely to be queues so to avoid disappointment get there early.

What to bring:  

• It is a condition for access to Port Taranaki for all visitors over the age of 16 to carry Photo ID.
• Visitors should come dressed for the elements, wearing suitable footwear for a tour of the ship (closed toe with gripping soles – not jandals or high heels) and bring water.
• Don’t forget the camera and plenty of questions to ask our sailors.

Please note: The tour of the ship involves narrow access ways and a number of stairwells making access difficult for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.