The Edwin Fox
Discover the remarkable history of the Edwin Fox. Built for trade between India and Britain, she carried goods worldwide, transported troops to the Crimean War, convicts to Australia, and migrants to New Zealand.
History and Achievements of the Edwin Fox Ship Through the Ages
Built in 1853, the Edwin Fox is the last of her kind.
Now a maritime museum in Picton, New Zealand, the Edwin Fox is one of the world’s oldest merchant ships.
This remarkable wooden vessel transported troops during the Crimean War, carried convicts to Australia, and brought immigrants to New Zealand. Later, she became a pioneering refrigeration ship, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s meat export industry.
After decades as a coal hulk at the Picton freezing works, she was saved from destruction in 1965 and eventually returned to the Picton waterfront in 1986. Her final journey was in 1999, when she was carefully placed in her current dry dock.
In July 2023, the Marlborough District Council became the official kaitiaki (guardian) of the Edwin Fox and the adjoining maritime museum.
Proudly holding Category 1 Heritage New Zealand status, the Edwin Fox is truly one of a kind, a living link to our seafaring past.
1854
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Requisitioned for the Crimean War - Transporting Troops and Equipment
The British Government requisitioned the Edwin Fox for the Crimean War. She carried troops and equipment to both the Baltic and Black Seas.
1857
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Transporting Indentured Labourers from China to Cuba
In 1857, the Edwin Fox transported indentured labourers from China to Cuba. Indentured labour was used to replace slaves on Cuban sugar plantations.
1858
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The Edwin Fox Transports Convicts to Western Australia
The Edwin Fox became part of the convict transportation system, carrying prisoners to Western Australia. These convicts provide free labour in the new established state.
1873
First Migration Voyage to New Zealand - A Journey Across the Pacific
The Edwin Fox made her first journey to New Zealand, carrying migrants. She made several more migrant voyages to New Zealand in 1875, 1878, and 1880. Trips to New Zealand became her main route as sailing ships remained essential for long-distance travel in the South Pacific.
1897
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Arrival in Picton - The Edwin Fox Becomes Part of the Frozen Meat Trade
The Edwin Fox arrived in Picton in 1897, where she began freezing meat coming to the port by train from the Spring Creek abattoir.
1965
The Move from Picton Harbour - The Beginning of Preservation Efforts
After 65 years of service, the Edwin Fox was no longer needed for the freezing works. The Edwin Fox Restoration Society was formed in 1965, aiming to restore the ship and find her a new home. However, due to local opposition, she was towed to Shakespeare Bay.
1986
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Beginnings as a Living Museum
The Edwin Fox was towed from Shakespeare Bay to a mooring on the Picton foreshore, where a small booth was set up to collect visitor fees. This marked the beginning of her life as a living museum.
2023
A New Guardian - Marlborough District Council Takes Ownership of the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
In 2023, the Marlborough District Council became kaitiaki/guardians of the Edwin Fox and its adjacent Maritime Museum, ensuring the long-term preservation of this unique ship as a national treasure and a valuable piece of New Zealand's maritime history.
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