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Otago Harbour
Ferry Inc.
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Restoring our maritime heritage
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”Elsie Evans” soon to Launched
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Open Day 10th October (PDF Download)
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Otago Harbour Ferry Incorporated was set up in 2004 as non-profit organisation with the primary objective of restoring the historic former Otago Harbour ferry Elsie Evans to a seaworthy condition and operating her again for passenger use on the Otago Harbour as a ferry and excursion vessel for the recreation of the general public.
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The Elsie Evans is of historical, physical and cultural significance in the Timaru Port and Otago Harbour areas.
As well as being the first pilot launch for the Timaru Harbour Board, she was the last of a long line of ferries
on the Otago Harbour that began in 1859 that were a traditional form of freight and commuter traffic.
The ferries were responsible for opening up the more remote parts of the harbour, particularly Portobello and the Otago Peninsula. Until the opening of the Dunedin to Port Chalmers railway line in 1873, the ferries had a monopoly on transporting passengers.
After that, nearly all ferries ran between Dunedin, the Peninsula bays and Port Chalmers
with motor vehicles not allowed on the low road to Portobello until 1913 and regular ferry services
allowed residents of the Peninsula to work and attend secondary schools in Dunedin.
The ferries were also used for pleasure and recreation including picnics and visits to Quarentine Island
Elsie Evans was a vital link for the farming communities on the Peninsula by providing transport to and from
Port Chalmers and Dunedin for farm produce and farm supplies.
Later on, for ten years she provided the only commuter service across the harbour between Portobello and the rail transport to Dunedin at Port Chalmers that ended with the building of the Portobello road and the introduction of a bus service. |
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Elsie Evans is being restored from the original kauri hull
with a new superstructure suitable for a passenger ferry
on short voyages, predominantly across the Otago Harbour.
The superstructure is not original to the vessel,
but is of a 1907 design that will retain the sense of history
and authenticity and will be in keeping with those
of vessels of the same vintage.
It was necessary to have the restoration work
professionally designed, surveyed, approved
and constructed in accordance with
Maritime New Zealand Rules and safety standards
in order that she can be licensed to carry passengers.
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Financial Support:
To fund our project, we have sought the financial support of charitable organisations and trusts, service clubs,
local government and the local business community.
Supporters can help financially by donating $15 for a single and $50 for a family pass,
which when presented allows you a free ride on the vessel.
Ring us or post this to: The Treasurer, 9 Leithton Close,Glenleith,Dunedin and we will send the pass to you.
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Help restore our maritime heritage - Join today
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 Subscriptions are $38 for one person, and $50 for a family
(any number in the same household)
and $250 for life membership.
Membership application forms are available
from the Chairperson, Shem Sutherland
(03 478 0548 or email shemcolour@hotmail.com),
the Secretary, Jane Higham
(phone 03 476 1848 or email rhigham@ihug.co.nz)
or the Treasurer, Hugh Montgomery
(phone 03 467 9444 or email hugh.monty@yahoo.co.nz). Enquiries may also be made to committee members:
Ian Milne (03 488 4205)
Mike Dewar (03 472 7436)
Peter Cole (03 472 7505)
Rod Thompson (03 488 4436)
James Henry (03 454 5537)
or Bill Bachop (03 454 3196).
We have a monthly committee meeting, usually on the third Thursday evening of the month which all members
and interested persons are welcome to attend. Contact the Chairperson or Secretary for details.
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Contact Details:
Address: 2 Landreth St, Portobello, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
Correspondence: 45 Raynbird Street, Company Bay, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
Email: shemcolour@hotmail.com
Phone: +64 (03) 478 0548
Website: www.ferry.portobello.net.nz
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