A tour of a navy patrol ship in Dunedin attracted thousands of people yesterday.

HMNZS Otago, a Royal New Zealand Navy offshore patrol vessel, moored at the T/U sheds in Fryatt St, had an open day yesterday.

The ship was in its home port for the Anzac weekend and to celebrate the navy's 75th anniversary.

The ship's captain, Lieutenant-commander Andrew Sorensen, said he estimated about 3000 people visited the vessel yesterday.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull forced an early start to the open day, after announcing in the Octagon on Saturday the ship would be open to the public at 9am, an hour earlier than the crew had planned.

To cater for the large crowd, the closing time was extended.

"It's awesome to see so many people,'' Lt-cmdr Sorensen said.

The "naval experience'' yesterday included a tour of the crew's working and living spaces and the ship's weaponry and firefighting equipment.

The ship's 69 crew were on board to answer questions.

"Kids have some funny questions,'' Lt-cmdr Sorensen said.

The most popular request from children, which he had to decline, was to fire a gun across Otago Harbour.

Callum Brown (9), of Balclutha, said the weapons on the ship were his favourite part of the tour and he wanted to join the navy.

"The machinegun was cool.''

Ben Oliver (11), of Dunedin, said blasting the high-pressure hose from the starboard was a highlight.

"I really enjoyed that.''

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz