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Tauranga’s iconic Kestrel ferry is on its way to Auckland. It departed at about 6.30am on Tuesday after spending six years docked in Tauranga’s CBD.
The Kestrel leaving Tauranga on Tuesday morning.
The ferry was purchased by the newly formed Kestrel Preservation Society.
It is being towed to Auckland where the boat will become a feature of the city’s waterfront.
Two tugboats were needed to tow the Kestrel out of Tauranga harbour.
One of the tugboats only towed it out of the harbour entrance, while the other will tow it to Auckland.
It is estimated the journey to Auckland will take about 30 hours.
The Kestrel Preservation Society is hugely impressed at the lengths former owner Mark Scapens has gone to to maintain the Kestrel’s originality and overall physical condition during his eight year ownership.
This will contribute enormously to future restoration and maintenance, according to the society.
Anyone interested in supporting the Kestrel can contact Kestrel Preservation Society at PO Box 171, Warkworth.
Posted on 01-12-2010 15:54 | By Robpinny
Sorry Murray Guy but I would have to disagree with you as I was the real estate sales agent acting for the sale of the ’Kestrel’ Business and Boat and would advise you of the following. I had serious interest from a highly respected Tauranga hospitality operator who was prepared and committed to purchasing the Boat and Business but after a meeting with your council representatives were advised the licence to occupy would not be extented beyond its 2013 expiry date as their was no place for it in the new waterfront plans. Hence the business operation had no future viability with such a short time frame left on the mooring licence. What a sad day for Tauranga waterfront to loose such an iconic piece of New Zealand maritime history! Bring it back Mr Guy.