Royal Navy

Delve into the complex and multifaceted role of the British Royal Navy in the colonial history of Australasia, from its early expeditions to the detailed charting undertaken by the HMS Acheron, and on to the forging of a colonial naval force. Royal Navy stories explore how the RN served not only as a pioneering force navigating ‘uncharted’ waters but also as a symbol and enforcer of British imperial power across the South Pacific, including the lands of Te Waipounamu and its peoples. Our story follows the transition from the establishment of the Australasian Station, highlighting the strategic importance of a strong naval presence in the South Pacific for securing British interests, to the significant contributions of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) during World War II and beyond. Through this lens, you are invited to reflect on the dual historical nature of naval maritime endeavours: as vehicles for discovery and as instruments of power, shaping the geopolitical landscape and the lives of the people of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour.