"SAILORS & SHIPWRECKS"
We live in a country where seafaring was a major occupation and vital to our economic development. Life on the high seas was hazardous, and shipwrecks litter our shores, including all round the Wellington coastline. Working on the wharves was a dangerous occupation, and just as today, drownings in our harbour and rivers were numerous. Many of the seafarers buried in Karori Cemetery led interesting lives, travelling to and from exotic destinations, with interesting cargoes. Some died in poverty or far from their own home and were commemorated by their shipmates. Others settled on shore and became harbour masters or pilots. Come along to hear about Captain Sinel Babot and his gun running exploits during the American Civil War, learn about the wreck of the SS Wairarapa on Great Barrier Island in November 1894, why Wensley Piper drowned in Wellington Harbour in 1900, and many other stories of the sea.
Duration: 1.5 hours maximum, easy walking
Meeting place: Main Chapel - Rosehaugh Avenue. Parking available across the road. Alternative meeting place will be advised if the Chapel is in use.
Cost: $10 per person. Payment in cash at the start of the walk.
Booking: preferable. Email
karoricemeterytour@gmail.com
or call 021 0653 778.
We live in a country where seafaring was a major occupation and vital to our economic development. Life on the high seas was hazardous, and shipwrecks litter our shores, including all round the Wellington coastline. Working on the wharves was a dangerous occupation, and just as today, drownings in our harbour and rivers were numerous. Many of the seafarers buried in Karori Cemetery led interesting lives, travelling to and from exotic destinations, with interesting cargoes. Some died in poverty or far from their own home and were commemorated by their shipmates. Others settled on shore and became harbour masters or pilots. Come along to hear about Captain Sinel Babot and his gun running exploits during the American Civil War, learn about the wreck of the SS Wairarapa on Great Barrier Island in November 1894, why Wensley Piper drowned in Wellington Harbour in 1900, and many other stories of the sea.
Duration: 1.5 hours maximum, easy walking
Meeting place: Main Chapel - Rosehaugh Avenue. Parking available across the road. Alternative meeting place will be advised if the Chapel is in use.
Cost: $10 per person. Payment in cash at the start of the walk.
Booking: preferable. Email
karoricemeterytour@gmail.com
or call 021 0653 778.
