History

From colonisation and disasters, to trade and leisure, the coastline and seas have shaped New Zealand’s maritime history.

Statue of Captain James Cook.

The formation of MNZ

Learn about our formation and early years, which shaped our organization.

Castle Point with signal station.

History of NZ lighthouses

Learn about the earliest lighthouses and the keepers who operated them.

Discover the past and present

Lighthouses of New Zealand

23 lighthouses and 75 lightbeacons operate along New Zealand’s rugged coastline.

Related information:

Our visual timeline highlights some major events in our maritime history.

Timeline

Learn about New Zealand’s maritime history.