Here stands the Toroa. This is Auckland’s very last steam ferry. Imagine her glory days.
Toroa represents a tangible piece of Auckland’s history. She is irreplaceable. This Albatross-class passenger ferry once ruled the Waitemata Harbour. Toroa is named for the northern royal albatross.
Launched in 1925, Toroa was built by George Niccol. The Devonport Steam Ferry Company Ltd. originally owned her. She primarily traveled between Devonport and Auckland CBD.
At her peak, Toroa carried about 20,000 passengers daily. This was before the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. She mainly served the North Shore. She ran with her sister ship, Makora.
Toroa ended her service in August 1980. She worked as an excursion ferry. She carried over 70 million passengers.
She was nearly buried in land reclamation. The New Zealand Maritime Trust saved her. A volunteer group formed the Toroa Preservation Society.
Sadly, Toroa sank in a storm in 1998. But she was raised and brought ashore for restoration.
Toroa boasts her original Scottish-built boiler. Also, she has a triple-expansion steam engine. The engine is almost completely restored.
The Toroa Preservation Society works hard. They aim to preserve and maintain the Toroa. The steel skeleton is close to completion.
The hull is Kauri timber over steel frames. The superstructure is wood. Much work is needed to return her to sound condition.
Once restored, Toroa will return to the harbor. She will preserve the history of ferries. She will present steam propulsion to new generations.
Restoration depends on funding. Your support is welcome. The Toroa Preservation Society needs assistance.
Toroa measures 130.95 feet in length. Her beam is 31.4 feet. She weighs 309 gross tons.
She originally used a 51 horsepower steam engine. Her top speed was 11.5 knots. Her original crew consisted of four people.
The Toroa represents Auckland’s maritime past. The Toroa Preservation Society ensures her future. She will again sail, a testament to Auckland’s heritage.