One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. HMS Belfast played a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage.
Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages
This new family-orientated exhibition will use hands-on and computerised interactive displays and engaging film and footage to demonstrate techniques of shipbuilding, from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods. The exhibition will focus on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Great Britain, and the interactive elements of the exhibition will allow children of all ages to get involved and experience this history.
Explore
‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both the Second World War and the Korean War as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS Belfast is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory. Through its team of staff and volunteers – many of whom are veteran crew – the Imperial War Museum is dedicated to making sure that HMS Belfast still has a role to play in reminding visitors of her unique place in Britain’s maritime heritage.
History of HMS Belfast
The term 'cruiser' goes back to the days of sailing ships when large frigates could be detached from the main fleet to cruise independently. The sailing cruiser, like her twentieth-century counterpart, was sufficiently powerful and fast to attack and destroy enemy commerce raiders. During the nineteenth century when sail gave way to steam and wooden ships were replaced by those built of iron, and later of steel, the cruiser evolved into a powerful warship which was used to patrol the Empire trade routes and protect friendly merchant shipping. After the First World War (1914-1918) a single category of cruiser emerged whose size was indicated by the size of its guns; thus, HMS Belfast is a 6-inch cruiser, designed for the protection of trade, for offensive action, and as a powerful support for amphibious operations.
Please note: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please allow 1½ - 2 hours for your visit.
Box Lunch Including: Turkey wrap, Chips, Apple and a Bottle of Water.
Also available: Vegetarian and Gluten free lunches (72 hour notice required).
Three hours are spent exploring 12-miles of history, beauty and wonder as you glide through the Black Canyon National Water Trail, with walls that in some places tower 2,000 feet above the river’s edge.
Experience the waterfalls, hot springs and other geological wonders, the Desert Big Horn sheep, Osprey, Great Blue Heron and so much more. This trip is fully narrated by experienced, knowledgeable guides who offer incredible knowledge of the history of the Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon National Water trail.
Lunch is included in a take-home, insulated souvenir bag. A refreshing stop along the way at a side beach will give you the opportunity to stretch your legs and to swim or play in the cool clear water of the Colorado River. Your tour will end at the Willow Beach Marina in the scenic Mohave desert of Arizona, where you will board your shuttle back to where you started from.
~Don’t Forget Your Camera~
Your Journey:
Departing from Queenstown, a knowledgeable driver will provide an informative commentary on the points of interest along one of the world’s most picturesque drives – The Milford Road. Stop for some great photo opportunities along the way, before enjoying a two hour cruise aboard one of our specially designed small boats in Milford Sound.
Sit back and relax as you cruise the length of the 16km fiord, out past St Annes Point Lighthouse, while skipper highlights points of interest along the way, including the mighty Lady Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife that can be found in the fiord, with New Zealand fur seals and dolphins spotted regularly, while occasionally the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin makes an appearance when in season.
During the return journey we will have a brief refreshment break in the lakeside town of Te Anau. Once back on board you can sit back, relax and enjoy a NZ made movie on the in-coach DVD system.
What to bring:
Waterproof Jacket
Sunscreen
Warm Clothing
Insect Repellent
