The Earnslaw steamship was named after Mt Earnslaw, a 2889, metre peak at the head of Lake Wakatipu, situated on the South Island of New Zealand. The steamship was built solely for the use on this beautiful lake at the foothills of the Remarkables mountain range and Queenstown, also known as New Zealand's Aspen. It was built in the 20th Century by John McGregor and Co shipbuilders from Dunedin at the cost of 21,000 pounds to the railways.
At 48 metres long , the biggest boat on the lake. Transporting the Earnslaw was no easy task. When construction was finally completed she was dismantled. All the quarter inch steel hull plates were numbered for reconstruction just like a puzzle! Then the boat was railed by goods train nearly all the way across the South Island from Dunedin to Kingston at the bottom end of Lake Wakatipu.
Six months later, after being rebuilt, on 24 February 1912, the TSS Earnslaw was launched and fired up for her maiden voyage to Queenstown. Her captain was the Minister of Marine, so the ship must have been fairly important to have a minister as her skipper.
The Earnslaw worked transporting sheep, cattle and passengers to the surrounding high country stations.
In 1968, the Earnslaw was very nearly scrapped but fortunately she was rescued. In 1984 she was taken out of service for a huge makeover. Her 12 metre high funnel was painted bright red, with the hull a snow white, and her kauri timber decks glassed in.
In March 1990, the Earnslaw carried two very special passengers, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Other royalty to travel on board have been the King and Queen of Belgium and the Prince of Thailand.
As of 2007, the Earnslaw is still in routine operation carrying tourist passengers across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Complete with entertainment in the form of a piano and a pianist.
Six months later, after being rebuilt, on 24 February 1912, the TSS Earnslaw was launched and fired up for her maiden voyage to Queenstown. Her captain was the Minister of Marine, so the ship must have been fairly important to have a minister as her skipper.
The Earnslaw worked transporting sheep, cattle and passengers to the surrounding high country stations.
In 1968, the Earnslaw was very nearly scrapped but fortunately she was rescued. In 1984 she was taken out of service for a huge makeover. Her 12 metre high funnel was painted bright red, with the hull a snow white, and her kauri timber decks glassed in.
In March 1990, the Earnslaw carried two very special passengers, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Other royalty to travel on board have been the King and Queen of Belgium and the Prince of Thailand.
As of 2007, the Earnslaw is still in routine operation carrying tourist passengers across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Complete with entertainment in the form of a piano and a pianist.
Working fourteen hour days in the summer months and cruising 11 months of the year is an enviable record for a beautiful steam ship over 95 years old.
Each of the Earnslaw's screws is turned by a driveshaft driven by a triple-expansion steam engine. Passengers have access to a walkway in the engine room, where they can observe the operation of the engines during the cruise
Each of the Earnslaw's screws is turned by a driveshaft driven by a triple-expansion steam engine. Passengers have access to a walkway in the engine room, where they can observe the operation of the engines during the cruise
4 comments:
A great picture and interesting history
I rode this lovely boat out to Walter Peak a few years ago. Had one of the most amazing dinners of my life over there, followed by a sheep and cattle-dog show.
The engine room walkway was pretty interesting. And on the way back the pianist had everyone singing songs (I didn't participate).
Thank you for all the history behind it. While I rode it I was too taken in by the lovely scenery on the way over and looking up at the Southern Cross and the starry sky on the return trip.
Beth in L.A.
I love this photo. You have captured more than a moment, you have captured a mood. Makes me feel like I am there.
I agree with anonymous, took the words right out of my mouth. Probably because I am anonymous and have now a real name ... hehehe. Great photo BTW. ;)
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