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.