Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Picton 7220, New Zealand

+64 (0)3 573 6868

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Ranked #5 of 11 attractions in Picton

47 Reviews

Type: Museums

Owner description: The Edwin Fox is a great example of NZ Maritime History, 159 years old this year and currently listed as the 9th oldest ship in the world, the oldest... more » Owner description: The Edwin Fox is a great example of NZ Maritime History, 159 years old this year and currently listed as the 9th oldest ship in the world, the oldest surviving merchant ship, convict ship and NZ immigrant ship and was also used to transport troops to the Crimean war.Come step aboard, go into the hull of the ship and visit the dry dock to get a real feel of the size of the ship and indeed what voyages would of been like!Open everyday from 9am - 3pm, group bookings and guided tours by arrangement.

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47 reviews from our community

Wayne T

Sydney

2 reviews

“Absolutely fascinating piece of history”

Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

It was great to be able to see and touch such an amazing piece of our history. The Edwin Fox had a long and varied career, including the Crimean War, the India trade, Australian convict transportation and the settling of NZ. The museum is very well put together and be sure to watch the fascinating DVD about the ship's history... More

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Lois223

Lismore, Australia

Contributor

17 reviews

4 attraction reviews

Reviews in 9 cities

“Impressive historic ship”

Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

As Australians it was amazing to walk through and actually touch a ship that had transported convicts. We were in awe of how difficult it must have been for the convicts to endure such an experience. The mad kiwi "Drive across Cook Strait" van is a laugh.

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Juliet L

Perth, Australia

1 review

“Convict ship”

Reviewed 7 May 2013

Australian visitors please take note - this ship carried convicts to Fremantle in 1858. It was just the one trip but it is terrific to have this remnant of our history so well preserved. Thank you to the citizens of New Zealand - and Picton in particular.

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Thank you so much for your response and kind words, the convict era is one of the most fascinating aspects of The Edwin Fox especially as it is the only survviing ship that took convicts to Australia, we are currently researching convict stories and learning about some of the characters we have had on board..thanks again More

500Chris500

Wellington, New Zealand

Contributor

19 reviews

14 attraction reviews

Reviews in 7 cities

4 helpful votes

“A real experience”

Reviewed 5 May 2013

Being able to walk on the actual ship - it's hold and decks was the highlight for me. I thought the placards explaining the significance of what I was seeing were well done. The overall film and static displays gave a comprehensive picture of how long a journey it has been getting this restoration project underway

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Thank you....visitors are always amazed at the level of access they have to the ship, it is truely a privalege to walk in the steps of convicts, immigrants, soldiers and crew amongst all the orignal teak wood. More

Kaye W

Auckland Central, New Zealand

Top Contributor

52 reviews

21 attraction reviews

Reviews in 25 cities

12 helpful votes

“A Wonderful Slice of Local History”

Reviewed 24 April 2013

When I last saw this historic vessel it was languishing in the Picton harbour so it was great to see how it is now being preserved and cared for. Having ancestors who were born on it added to the realism of the displays. A fascinating 'must-see' for visitors to the area and all those with an interest in seafaring.

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Its great to get a review from someone who had seen it previous to being preserved and who has a connection with the ship....we often have descendants visit the ship and some find it quite overwhelming...thank you for your review! More

mrsboll

Top Contributor

64 reviews

23 attraction reviews

Reviews in 43 cities

23 helpful votes

“A Real Gem”

Reviewed 13 April 2013

If you are interested in Maritime history this is a must see museum. It is not large and centers around the incredible Edwin Fox. What an interesting history this ship has. I had just read "The Fatal Shore" about the convict ships taking prisoners to Australia. Here was one of those ships. It is really quite well preserved. One can... More

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Thank you...yes we are all very passionate about the ship here at The Edwin Fox, its hard not to be! we are very lucky to have this here in Picton, a little bit of a forgotten treasure i feel at times, Regards K More

Chris F

Stotfold, United Kingdom

Top Contributor

122 reviews

37 attraction reviews

Reviews in 53 cities

30 helpful votes

“Fascinating insight into sail ship history”

Reviewed 7 April 2013

A very different insight to any other historic ship that we have visited. There video is fascinating in the main but the actual ship's hull is amazing. It is good that the team have now decided to preserve rather than restore. Many of the ships that we have seen have been a little too restored. Being able to walk down... More

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Thank you for your response, there is something definately different about The Edwin Fox being that it is just preservation and not restoration, you can get on board amongst all the original teak and really think about the people who went before you and what the ship has seen.....births, deaths, marriages, storms, disease, convicts!! More

Worcesterhippo

Dubai

Reviewer

4 reviews

3 attraction reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

3 helpful votes

“History worth a visit”

Reviewed 31 March 2013

The museum and old ship were well worth a visit. The museum is small but with plenty of interesting information and the Edwin Fox has a very colourful history. It is amazing that it has lasted as well as it has.

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Thank you for your response, it is really appreciated More

john a

Melbourne, Australia

Reviewer

5 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

“An Immigrant ship!!!”

Reviewed 26 March 2013

Fascinating to wander around the (mainly hull) remains of a ship built in Calcutta and which carried immigrants from the UK to both Australia and New Zealand! Apparently it is the only such surviving ship!

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Many thanks for responding, every positive response helps the Edwin Fox's visitor numbers! More

sunnypBucks

bucks

Senior Contributor

25 reviews

7 attraction reviews

Reviews in 14 cities

7 helpful votes

“Fascinating piece of history”

Reviewed 20 March 2013

Very interesting and well set out museum charting the history and preservation (not restoration) of this ship. Makes you realise what conditions early settlers endured. Very good value for money, not to be missed

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