Maritime History  150yrs Port Chalmers

Precious Cargo

Port Chalmers was a flourishing port which played a key role in the early years of European settlement and subsequent development of Dunedin. Trade and population boomed in the gold rush resulting in the growth of new industries including ship building and related trades.

Port Otago is celebrating 150 years of the original Harbour Board over two weekends, 19/20 and 26/27/28 October. This is an ideal opportunity to also offer Festival activities in Port Chalmers.

The Maritime Museum, now owned and funded by Port Otago, is reopening on Saturday 19 October after 2 years closure and restoration.  The official ceremony takes place in the morning and is restricted to Port Otago Board 150th guests by invitation only.

Public access to the Museum will resume from 1.00pm. 

From this date the Museum will continue usual opening hours.    

The following weekend Port Otago is hosting an OPEN DAY on Labour Day, Monday 28 October, public holiday. Check the day’s programme to see the choice of tours and make your booking.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to gain access to the new office buildings, the spectacular view down the harbour and the working docks.  

Meanwhile check the Heritage Festival programme and take a look at the variety of  events and the activities on offer for the month of October

. …… something for everyone 

…………….all ages & cultures

…………………… support local organisations 

…………………………..join in the fun!

OCTOBER IS HERITAGE MONTH - including school holidays, ending with Labour Day Monday 28 October. 

Activities for all - join us to celebrate our heritage and history!  

Check out the Southern Heritage Trust website for the programme & bookings: https://www.southernheritage.org.nz/heritage-festival-2024