Auckland, New Zealand: New Zealand Maritime Museum

You might expect a nice tribute to the water in a place like Auckland, a place where the harbor plays such a big role in daily life. The New Zealand Maritime Museum is that tribute. It covers everything from Polynesian boats to the America's Cup races that were held in the harbor. 

The idea for the museum came in 1989, and four years later it opened for business. That was quite appropriate, since the America's Cup was held in Auckland that year. The building dates back to 1920, as it hosted boat companies. As you'd expect, there are exhibits on discovery voyages, settlement, whaling, shipping, recreation and port history. 

In addition, some ships are located right in the building. Others are in the water that comes right up to the museum's dock. Peter Blake, who guided New Zealand's twin wins in the America's Cup, also gets the hero's tribute in a new wing of the building.