We are a united Christian ministry serving the welfare and spiritual needs of visiting seafarers at the Port of Tauranga. Our team of volunteers offers hospitality, practical assistance, and a place of friendship to crew from around the globe. Located near the port, we provide transport, communication facilities, and a warm welcome to all who come ashore.
Welcome to the United Seafarers' Mission – Tauranga
A warm place away from home for seafarers from around the world with free Wi-Fi, transport, pastoral care, and a warm welcome at the Port of Tauranga.
Basic Services
Free Wi-Fi Access
Charging Stations
Money Exchange
SIM Cards & Top-Up Assistance
Other Services
Transport
- Shuttle service to local mall and shops
- Port pick-up/drop-off
Lounge & Recreation
- Lounge with TV & games
- Table tennis & pool table
- Hot chocolate, coffee & snacks
- Library (free books)
- Christian literature (in multiple languages)
Chaplaincy & Legal Support
- Chaplaincy (on-call or scheduled visits)
- Legal assistance (in coordination with Ship Welfare Officer’s (SWOs)
- Emotional support, crisis counselling
- Money transfer help
- Any legal or religious disclaimers needed
How to visit the Seafarers Centre from your ship
Please call Port Security and request a shuttle to the Centre.
To return to your ship from Gate 1 (Rata Street):
- Press the intercom button and ask Port Security to take you back to your vessel.
- Port Security Phone: (07) 572 8868
Bayfair shuttle drop-off information
To make sure your visit to Bayfair goes smoothly, please take note of the correct shuttle drop-off and pick-up points depending on the day:
Sunday to Wednesday and Saturday (after 6 PM):
- Drop-off & pick-up is at the front entrance near Timezone.
- The back entrance near Kiwibank/Butterfly Kiosk closes at 6 PM, so use the front entrance to make sure you can exit the mall without any problems.
Thursday and Friday (Late-Night Shopping):
- Drop-off & pick-up is at the back entrance near Butterfly/Kiwibank.
- This entrance stays open until 9 PM, so it’s the most convenient option. Last pick-up from Bayfair is 8.30 PM
History of Seafarers’ Ministry at the Port of Tauranga
Early Beginnings
The ministry to seafarers in Tauranga traces its roots back to 1959, when local fisherman Bill Dowman, newly inspired in his Christian faith, began befriending visiting crew members at the wharves. Together with Bruce Caldwell and others, he welcomed them into his home, offered meals and overnight stays, took them on sightseeing trips, and provided Bibles through the Scripture Gift Mission.
By the 1960s and ’70s, Fred and Ruth Haar had joined the work, which became known as the Galilee Mission under the covering of Mount Maunganui Baptist Church. During this period, they met Jin Kim, a Korean ship’s officer, and his wife San, who later returned from theological training in Australia to serve Korean fishermen operating from Tauranga. Their ministry was based in Oceania House at the port.
The Galilee Mission
Serving Seafarers Since 1959
A united mission of care, hospitality, and hope at the Port of Tauranga.
Formal Founding of the Galilee Mission
In 1990, Rev. Ray Coster of St Andrews Presbyterian Church worked with the early volunteers to establish the Galilee Mission in a more formal way. A mission presence was set up in the Northern Roller Mills building on a trial basis — a “trial” that lasted many years. Later, the mission moved to premises outside the Hull Road Gate, purchased for the work by Mr and Mrs Wilson. These premises were later sold, with the proceeds used to create the Bay of Plenty Seafarers’ Trust, which continues to help fund the mission today.
Around this time, the Galilee Mission partnered with the Anglican Mission to Seafarers in shared premises at Oceania House.
The United Seafarers Mission
In 2001, three like-minded seafarer welfare organisations joined forces:
Galilee Mission to Seafarers – a local ministry formed in the 1960s under Mount Maunganui Baptist Church
Mission to Seafarers – the international Anglican seafarer welfare society
Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris) – the international Catholic seafarer welfare organisation
They recognised that their mission would be stronger and more effective together, leading to the creation of the United Seafarers Mission Tauranga. This ecumenical organisation continues to serve visiting seafarers with hospitality, practical help, and pastoral care.
Continuing the Mission
For more than 60 years, this ministry — from its informal beginnings to the present-day United Seafarers Mission — has carried on the biblical call to welcome the stranger, offering care and friendship to thousands of men and women whose work brings them to the Port of Tauranga.
Seafarers Centre Contact Details
Look for the white/blue building with the ‘Seafarers Centre’ sign! Shuttle pickups at the port must be pre-arranged via Port Security.
Phone: (07) 575 8341
WhatsApp: 022 592 1084
Tauranga Mount Taxis: (07) 578 6086