TOROA TOURS
Groups are invited to book a tour of the restoration of
Toroa—Auckland’s last steam ferry
Toroa under the newly built Harbour Bridge. Hooker Bowden photo, Stewart Family Collection
For 99 years before the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1959, steam ferries connected the North Shore to the city. Carrying passengers, goods and vehicles, these ferries had a huge impact on Auckland and the development of the North Shore.
Toroa, the last steam survivor, worked on until 1980. She carried upwards of 70 million passengers between her launching in 1925 and her decommissioning.
This 40-metre long, 300-tonne icon of our transport and social history has been preserved and is being restored to authentic and seaworthy state. Toroa will steam again on the Waitematā as a heritage excursion ferry.
Join a tour of the massive and painstaking Toroa restoration. Hear the stories of the steam ferry and her people, and of Auckland’s rich steam ferry history.
Venue
Steam Ferry Toroa Restoration Yard, 2 Selwood Road, Henderson. Enter via the Toroa gate. Do not enter the adjacent quarry yard, and stay well clear of machinery.
Safety
The restoration yard is a construction site with multiple hazards. Visitors must take great care, and follow the instructions of Toroa Preservation Society guides. Solid footwear is required. Children must be supervised by adults. We regret that there is no wheelchair access into the ferry.