Navy shows Auckland its new ships

The new Navy ships sail into Auckland Harbour. Photo / Paul Estcourt.

Six of the Navy's seven new ships sailed into Auckland yesterday, as the service prepared to wind down for the summer break.

The six new ships and a dive tender put into the Devonport naval base shortly after 9.30am, attracting many spectators on the North Shore. The fleet included the 85m offshore patrol vessels HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Wellington, the 55m inshore patrol vessels Rotoiti, Hawea, Pukaki and Taupo, and the 22-year-old dive tender HMNZS Manawanui, one of the oldest ships in the fleet.

It was the first time the two offshore and the four inshore patrol vessels had sailed into Auckland at the same time, said Navy spokeswoman Lieutenant Sarah Campbell.

The six ships are part of the Government's $500 million Project Protector fleet, which also includes the multi-role HMNZS Canterbury.

- NZPA