New Zealand is one of the most geographically isolated island nations in the world and, as such, has a strong connection with the ocean. So, it is not surprising that there would be a museum here which is dedicated to New Zealand’s maritime history, from the first explorers and settlers to present day achievements (such as the 1995 America’s Cup victory). Appropriately located on Hobson’s Wharf in Auckland’s Viaduct harbor, this museum is home to New Zealand’s largest maritime collection. In the language of the Maori, the museum is known as “Te Huiteanaui-A-Tangarora”, meaning “Holder of the Treasures of Tangarora (The Sea God).” According to an “orthodox” version of a Maori myth, the great chief, Kupe, first discovered New Zealand in 925. Later, several waves of Polynesian settlers followed Kupe’s route and populated the island nation. Centuries later, a group, composed of members of the Auckland Harbor Board and the Union Steamship company proposed the creation of a maritime museum (around 1980). This was to be the first, and only, museum that would deal with New Zealand’s maritime history as a whole. By 1993, construction of the building was completed and it officially opened (coincidentally during the same year that the America’s Cup Regatta was being held in Auckland). The building houses several preserved historical ships. In addition, outside are a number of still sea-worthy vessels that sail about the harbor with visitors who are interested in such journeys. By 1996, the name of the museum was changed to the “New Zealand National Maritime Museum.” What makes this site an even more interesting place to visit is that while standing on the upper floors of this history-laden structure, one can look to a neighboring wharf and see the massive present-day cruise ships docked in the harbor. The old and the new, side by side.
Situated on Hobson’s Wharf in Auckland harbor, this museum houses New Zealand’s largest maritime collection. Even as you approach the main entrance, full-scale exhibits are visible. A thousand years ago, Polynesian explorers and settlers crossed the Pacific in boats similar to this one to populate what is now New Zealand. The early Maori settlers used many types of sailing vessels for exploring both the coast and inland waterways. Being a warrior culture, the Maori also developed war canoes By the 19th century, immigrants were flooding into New Zealand from all over the world. Most of their accommodations were not very luxurious. With the influx of so many sailing vessels, shipwrecks were inevitable, especially near the bleak, sub-Antarctic islands to the south. In order to provide assistance to marooned mariners, the New Zealand government set up what they called “Castaway depots” containing boats like this one, shelter, food, fuel, and clothing. In 1995,Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup under the leadership of Peter Blake. A short distance from the museum, modern day cruise ships dock in Auckland, providing visitors with a glimpse of the new versus the old.
2 Comments
4/6/2018 09:19:37 am
This was a very interesting and motivational article. Thanks for sharing it.
Reply
Carl Aveni
4/6/2018 10:37:21 am
Thank you for your kind words. This has been an interesting journey.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
Archives
September 2020
Categories |