Navy 'fleet entry' into Auckland

The HMNZS Otago. File photo / Greg Bowker

The public will have an opportunity to see seven of the Navy's 12 ships this morning as they form a "fleet entry" into Auckland Harbour at 9.30am.

The navy's new offshore patrol Vessels HMNZS Wellington and Otago will be joined by inshore patrol vesslels HMNZS Pukaki, Rotoiti, Taupo and Hawea, and littoral support ship HMNZS Manawanui.

HMNZS Otago and Wellington arrived into Auckland in April and July this year respectively and between them have already spent 245 days at sea.

Commodore Ross Smith, Maritime Component Commander said the arrival of the two vessels meant the Naval Patrol Force is "completed and fully operational".

"The Offshore Patrol Vessels, along with the Inshore Patrol vessels, play a significant role in the contribution to the security and the prosperity for all New Zealanders."

The Inshore Patrol Vessels have spent 546 days between them at sea which includes working with other government agencies like the Ministry of Fisheries, Customs and Department of Conservation.

HMNZS Manawanui is a purpose built dive vessel and has spent 129 days at sea and has spent time in the Bay of Islands, around the Tauranga area and also visited Lyttleton earlier this year.

The best viewing positions for the fleet entry are North Head, the Devonport waterfront and Bastion Point.

- NZHERALD STAFF