Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
Marlborough District
The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum in Picton, New Zealand, preserves the hull of Edwin Fox, one of the world's oldest surviving merchant sailing ships and the only intact wooden deep-water sailing ship built to British specifications outside the Falkland Islands. Built of teak in Calcutta in 1853, Edwin Fox served various roles including a troop ship during the Crimean War, a convict ship to Australia, and an emigrant ship carrying settlers to New Zealand. Later repurposed as a floating freezer and coal store hulk, the ship was abandoned in 1950 before being rescued by the Edwin Fox Society in 1965. Today, the ship is dry-docked and accessible to visitors who can explore two of its decks alongside an informative museum detailing its voyages and preservation. The museum offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century maritime history and the challenging conditions faced by convicts and settlers alike.
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Tip: Visit during the warmer months for the best experience and comfortable weather. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for group tours and school holiday activities. The museum offers behind-the-scenes preservation updates which can enrich your visit. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or educational visits. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •Edwin Fox is the only surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia.
- •It is the only intact hull of a wooden deep-water sailing ship built to British specifications surviving outside the Falkland Islands.
- •The ship carried troops during the Crimean War.
- •Edwin Fox was converted from a full-rigged ship to a barque in 1867.
- •Between 2016 and 2021, the ship was part of a nautical archaeological study on British colonial-built vessels.
History
Edwin Fox was built in 1853 in Calcutta from teak wood and launched for merchant service.
It served as a troop ship during the Crimean War and later carried convicts to Western Australia in 1858.
Converted to a barque in 1867, it transported emigrants to New Zealand from 1873, making four voyages with 751 settlers.
By the late 19th century, it was converted into a floating freezer and later a coal hulk.
After being abandoned in 1950, the ship was purchased by the Edwin Fox Society in 1965, moved to a dry dock in Picton in 1986, and has since been preserved as a historic maritime artifact.
Place Guide
The Dry-Docked Hull1853
Explore the preserved teak hull of Edwin Fox, the only intact wooden deep-water sailing ship hull built to British specifications outside the Falkland Islands. Visitors can walk on two decks and observe the ship's construction and wear from its long service.
Maritime Museum Exhibits
The adjacent museum offers detailed displays on Edwin Fox's voyages, including its roles in the Crimean War, convict transportation, and emigrant journeys. Exhibits cover shipbuilding techniques, life aboard the ship, and preservation efforts.
Contact
Phone: 027 573 6868
