If 9000 tonnes of warship, worth $130 million, floats your boat, be sure to explore HMNZS Canterbury when it docks at Dunedin next week, for the first time.
The multi-role vessel, built in the Netherlands, will be open for public viewing from 1pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, July 7.
It is scheduled to berth at the T/U sheds in Dunedin at noon on Friday, July 6, and depart about 8am on Monday, July 9.
Canterbury (L421) was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy in June 2007. It is 131m long, 23.4m wide and has capacity for 250 troops.
The core ship's company comprises up to 53 personnel, in addition to a maximum of 10 flight crew members, four government agency representatives, seven ship staff and 35 trainees.
Canterbury carries two helicopters and provides a sealift capability for the transport and deployment of equipment, vehicles and personnel.
It is capable of transferring cargo and personnel ashore when port facilities are not available.
On board are a five-bed hospital ward, two-bed sickbay, operating theatre, medical laboratory, morgue, gymnasium, workshops and an armoury.
Canterbury has been subject to various investigations, following operational incidents, and was considered less seaworthy than initially specified.
In 2008, it was estimated a further $20 million would have to be spent to achieve sought operational abilities.
After the Christchurch earthquake of February 22, 2011, Canterbury was berthed at Lyttelton, where crew provided meals for 1000 people left homeless, as well as accommodation for a small number of locals.
