Learn

Explore a digital gateway to history with our online collections, in-depth research resources, and engaging educational programmes — all crafted to bring our rich maritime legacy to life.

History

Discover the legendary Edwin Fox — a vessel that has captivated imaginations for over 30 years.

Online Collections

The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum holds a collection of items related to the ship and those who sailed on her.

Research

The Edwin Fox provides a window into the world of sail. She was part of the great global movement of people and goods in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Education

The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum offers education programmes from early childhood (ECE) to senior high school.

The World of Wooden Sailing Ships

Step into the world of traditional shipbuilding and maritime exploration as you uncover the story of the Edwin Fox. Discover how wooden sailing ships were built and came to rule the oceans in the 19th century.

Visit Us
A carved whale tooth depicts a sailing ship, titled "The Old Clipper Fox." The background features blue, with faint ship outlines, evoking a nautical theme.

The Edwin Fox in Picton

Learn how the Edwin Fox came to rest in Picton in 1897 and played a key role in the early days of the Picton Freezing Works. Then, uncover the remarkable story of her rescue and restoration, and how she became the treasured museum ship you can explore today.

Explore
An old, weathered ship with peeling blue paint rests in a calm harbor. Small buildings are on deck, surrounded by lush, green hills in the background.

Passenger Stories

Uncover the stories of convicts, courageous crew members, and hopeful migrants who journeyed across oceans on the Edwin Fox.

Read Stories
An older man in a suit and tie stands beside a woman in a long dark dress with a lace collar, posing for a formal studio portrait.
Testimonial
Wonderful to see the Edwin Fox in dry dock being preserved for the future. The story of how it happened including captivating displays, personal stories and easy to digest explanation via a top movie presentation shown in the 1st floor mini theatre together bring this important history to life and make you glad you visited Picton.
An Important story for NZ and Australia
Wow this was a gem we didn't expect. A lovely museum full of stuff, a really interesting short movie about the Edwin Fox - and seeing a real 1853 convict ship in real life is one of those once in a lifetime things! Well worth the entry fee. Thank you .
Wow this is a gem!
A must visit especially if you want to learn about your ancestors and how they came to New Zealand. Very interesting and lots of information about the ship that bought many of our ancestors to New Zealand. Interactive, good for kids and very interesting video. Worth spending at least an hour looking through. Staff were very knowledgeable and keen to help. Good variety of merchandise for sale.
A must visit!
What a great museum!!! So well curated with informative displays and to be able to walk around the ship is an amazing experience. Would highly recommend.
A little gem of a museum. If you are in Picton just go, you won’t regret it!
Excellent price for what's on offer. I loved the upstairs room with the chronology of the boat, the documentary video about it, and also the more general history of shipping in the area. The ancient boat itself was the cherry on top. Great experience and thoroughly recommended!!
Delightful museum
Exterior of the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, a stone building with a gray metal roof, set against lush green hills and blue sky.