The Maritime Gallery was opened to the public in July 1973. At present it contains 58 model boats, original ship flags and bells.

The ships themselves have taken years to build and come from a variety of sources. Many of the models on display are the original builders’ models the ‘Union Steam Ship Company’ which originating in Dunedin. The boats range from a Greek galley, to a Chinese junk, through to sailing ships, and battle ships. To give an indication of the time taken to build one of these models, half of the destroyer H.M.S. Sentinnel in the maritime gallery was damaged and took eight years to repair.

The bells

The collection of ship bells that hang around the gallery, have much history. They were carried on the fo’ c’ sle heads of ships for lookout signaling, anchor reporting and fog signaling. Two of them also have had some church service! They make a beautiful sound when rung (visitors to the museum may ring them gently), and have the names of their ships engraved on them. These bells were acquired by the Maritime Society from ships nearing the end of their service.

The flags

The flags hanging in the gallery represent different companies and ships. Amongst them are three New Zealand flags, one red, one white, and one blue. The red represents New Zealand Merchant ships, the white represents the Royal Navy, and the blue represents the Volunteer Navy. The Union Steam Ship Company flag hangs also. Separated into four triangles, it is coloured red, white, blue and yellow. There is also a full set of signal flags encased in the gallery.