Visit the Fleet

Welcome to the ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

HMNZS Canterbury sails in to her home port for the first time (MC 07-0245-16).

The maritime environment around New Zealand's primary area of interest is as variable as it is large. It extends from the balmy tropics of the Pacific (where tropical cyclones can ruin this rather idyllic picture) to the freezing gale-tossed Southern Oceans in which conditions as harsh as anywhere in the world can be found.

This has a direct bearing on the type of ships and equipment that can be safely operated by New Zealand's maritime forces. The ships of the New Zealand Navy are our maritime operational arm- defending New Zealand and protecting its people, land, territorial waters, EEZ, natural resources and critical infrastructure within New Zealand and our neighbourhood. The Navy, who, along with the Army and Airforce forms the New Zealand Defence Force, is used to:

* Ensure the sovereignty of our EEZ and territorial waters;
* Protect our interests in the Southern Ocean and Ross Dependency;
* Counter any threat posed by terrorism or acts of sabotage;
* Provide support in civil defence and other emergencies; and
* Contribute to the Governments social and economic priorities by providing opportunities for training and rewarding careers.

All Naval ships patrol our waters, and those waters for which we are responsible. They protect New Zealand, our trade and our neighbours. The ships carry out peacekeeping operations, and are ready to provide civil defence and humanitarian aid at short notice, with at least one ship maintaining full operational readiness to react to any emergency at all times.

Our ships are integral in defence diplomacy, we represent New Zealand throughout the South Pacific, and indeed the world, through visits, training exercises and exchanges. All Naval ships work with other Government agencies in various ways to assist in achieving New Zealand's wider regional aims and objectives as part of multi-agency operations.

From fishery patrols and customs assistance, to humanitarian aid; from Chatham Island to Auckland, Raoul and Campbell Island re-supplies to providing assistance to those in need; boarding vessels in far off places, to hosting foreign diplomats at functions onboard; surveying the coastline to patrolling the Southern Ocean; our Naval ships are fully committed to protecting New Zealand and her wider interests and commitments, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Naval Combat Force:

These two ANZAC class frigates are the key fighting units of the RNZN, with armament including a 5" gun, vertical launch missile system, torpedoes and a close in weapon system for protection. When deployed each Ship will have a Seasprite helicopter embarked from Naval Support Flight.

HMNZS TE KAHA - F77

Description: An ANZAC class frigate which is one of the key fighting units of the RNZN.
Region Affiliated:
Armament: a 5" gun, vertical launch missile system, torpedoes and a close in weapon system for protection. When deployed each Ship will have a Seasprite helicopter embarked from Naval Support Flight.

HMNZS TE MANA - F111

Naval Logistic Support Force:

HMNZS CANTERBURY - L421

Description: Provide various supporting abilities and taskings.

Region Affiliated: Christchurch/Canterbury
Armament:

HMNZS ENDEAVOUR - A11
Description: Provide various supporting abilities and taskings.

Region Affiliated:
Armament:

Naval Diving Support:

HMNZS MANAWANUI - A09
Description: The Diving Support Vessel, predominantly works around New Zealand, with the Operational Dive Team embarked.
Region Affiliated:
Armament:

Offshore Patrol Vessels:

HMNZS OTAGO - P148

Description:
Region Affiliated: Dunedin/Otago/Southland
Armament:

HMNZS WELLINGTON Crest HMNZS WELLINGTON - P55

Description:
Region Affiliated: Wellington
Armament:

Inshore Patrol Vessels:

Four IPVs have been built and launched at Whangarei, to conduct maritime surveillance in support of civil agencies in the area from the shoreline to approx 24 nautical miles. The total requirement is for about 950 sea days annually. Tasks in the northern half of our EEZ (north of and including the Marlborough Sounds and Tasman Bay) are almost all inshore, with relatively constant levels of activity during the year. The Inshore Patrol Vessels are based on a Tenix-designed Search and Rescue vessel in service with the Philippines Coast Guard.

HMNZS ROTOITI - P3569