The Countess of Onslow
Thought to be New Zealand’s oldest surviving clinker-built lifeboat. From its 1886 construction by shipwright John Macfarlane to its noble christening and eventual restoration, explore how this Kauri-planked treasure transitioned from a river rescue vessel to a beloved local icon.
A Legacy of Kauri and Craftsmanship
Built in 1886 by skilled shipwright John Macfarlane for the Hokitika Harbour Board, the Countess of Onslow is considered to be the oldest surviving clinker-built lifeboat in New Zealand. Crafted from premium kauri timber and copper-fastened for durability, the 30-foot whaleboat was a showcase of “neat and careful workmanship.” While its primary purpose was maritime safety on the treacherous West Coast bars, it achieved local fame in 1892 when Governor Lord Onslow christened the vessel with champagne in honor of his wife. Following the ceremony, the boat made its maiden voyage into the Hokitika River carrying the Governor and nearly twenty local dignitaries, marking the beginning of its long service in the local waters.
From Rescue Vessel to Local Icon
As maritime needs evolved, the Countess transitioned through several storied chapters of West Coast history. In 1911, it was purchased by businessman George Aaron Wood, who repurposed the former lifeboat to transport whitebait to his Revell Street canning factory. By 1929, the boat moved into the hands of Fred Ross, who motorised the vessel with a 1928 Rugby engine for excursions on Lake Kaniere. After decades of family use and storage, the boat was eventually donated to the Hokitika Museum in 2000. Following a dedicated restoration by local volunteers and shipwrights, the Countess of Onslow is now permanently displayed on Gibson Quay.
Address
District Westland
Town Hokitika