Please note that there no access to the ship at present. You can get on the gangplank and see into the dock.
About Us
The Edwin Fox Ship is a fantastic piece of World heritage.
The Ship has been lovingly preserved over the last 30 years and sits in dry dock here in Picton for all to explore and enjoy, 2023 marks the start of the next phase of the preservation project, we will be posting updates and plans shortly.
Initially the Edwin Fox Society completed much of the hard work in getting the ship to this preserved state, although now the ship is in the hands of the Marlborough District Council as of the 1st July 2023.
The Edwin Fox ship is one of a kind, a forgotten treasure...
- Last surviving ship that took convicts to Australia
- Last wooden Crimea War troop carrier
- Oldest Merchant ship in the World
- Pioneering refrigeration Ship
- Oldest wooden vessel that brought immigrants to New Zealand
Now a tourist attraction and unique learning experience.
The Experience
Watch the documentary and view artefacts and displays in the museum.
View the ship and learn about conditions the passengers endured.
Enjoy our waterfront location and enjoy a game of quoits.
Check out our Edwin Fox 100 year old Marlborough clinker dingy.
Explore the stories of some of our characters, convicts, immigrants, and captains.
There is fantastic photo opportunities.
Allow around 1hr.
Don't forget your camera!
A great all weather experience fun for all ages.
New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment
We are part of the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment, the vision being to lead the world in sustainable tourism.
We understand we have a responsibility to minimize our daily impacts on our local environment. We identify effects of operations and respond to reduce negative effects and regularly review our business practices.
The ship’s significance is recognized by Heritage New Zealand, the government body that legislates for the protection of cultural heritage in New Zealand, designating the vessel Category 1—its highest protection.
Over the years we have had a few professionals who have marveled at the Edwin Fox Story.
Professors, Boyd Cothran and Adrian Shubert from York University in Canada, who are writing a book on the globalization era of history.
" The merchant vessel EDWIN FOX was exceptional for being unexceptional. A lonesome survivor in the age of steam".
Neil Oliver from the BBC Coast Show .
“It is unbelievable" says Neil for me its like the Egyptian pyramids or a Greek temple or a stone circle.
That it is a survivor from another time and it’s a monument to people who have made extraordinary journeys and in due course changed the World and yet it sits largely overlooked".
Sir James Dunbar Nasmith CBE, Patron of the Edwin Fox Society and descendant of the Dunbar Shipping fleet.
"The conservation of the Fox is a superb example of individuals who appreciate the importance of a nautical historic relic in their locality and have done something about it. I know of no other project in Britain that is comparable in terms of volunteer effort".
Sir Jerry Mataparae GNZM QSO (previous Governor General of New Zealand).
"As a maritime historian has pointed out the Edwin Fox is extremely rare and valuable vessel that just so happens to be in New Zealand under our care. This ship is history in hard copy and a treasure that we should all be proud of, now and in the future".
Prime Minister Helen Clark.
"Here In Picton there is one of the World’s rarest objects, the remains of a 19th century wooden sailing ship with an extraordinary history".
Over the years we have had a few professionals who have marveled at the Edwin Fox Story.
Professors, Boyd Cothran and Adrian Shubert from York University in Canada, who are writing a book on the globalization era of history.
" The merchant vessel EDWIN FOX was exceptional for being unexceptional. A lonesome survivor in the age of steam".
Neil Oliver from the BBC Coast Show .
“It is unbelievable" says Neil for me its like the Egyptian pyramids or a Greek temple or a stone circle.
That it is a survivor from another time and it’s a monument to people who have made extraordinary journeys and in due course changed the World and yet it sits largely overlooked".
Sir James Dunbar Nasmith CBE, Patron of the Edwin Fox Society and descendant of the Dunbar Shipping fleet.
"The conservation of the Fox is a superb example of individuals who appreciate the importance of a nautical historic relic in their locality and have done something about it. I know of no other project in Britain that is comparable in terms of volunteer effort".
Sir Jerry Mataparae GNZM QSO (previous Governor General of New Zealand).
"As a maritime historian has pointed out the Edwin Fox is extremely rare and valuable vessel that just so happens to be in New Zealand under our care. This ship is history in hard copy and a treasure that we should all be proud of, now and in the future".
Prime Minister Helen Clark.
"Here In Picton there is one of the World’s rarest objects, the remains of a 19th century wooden sailing ship with an extraordinary history".
Awards
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Plan your visit
We are open from 9 am everyday of the year (except Christmas and ANZAC day, from 1pm).
Summer 1st October - 30th April 9-5pm (last entry 4pm) Winter 1st May - 30th September 9-3pm (last entry 2pm) |
Picton and Surrounds
Picton is a great location to stay for a few days an explore the region with great gift shops and cafes and accommodation with water views.
Please click on link below for more information. |
Marlborough Heritage
Marlborough has some of the most significant historic sites and heritage in New Zealand, including Ships Cove, Wairau Bar. Omaka, whaling stations and gold mines to name but a few. Marlborough Museum, based at Brayshaw Park in Blenheim has great displays including Marlborough's wine heritage. Please feel free to contact us here at the museum if you would like further information on making the most of Marlborough's history.
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