One of our safari trip’s “Must See” places was the Traders and Whalers exhibit at Tawhiti Museum. The very talented Nigel Ogle created life sized figures to tell the story of life in the Taranaki Coast between 1820-1840.
Entrance to Traders and Whalers
Once through the cave entrance, we carefully felt our way along the dimly lit winding passageway, looking into dioramas showing windows of the past. We climbed aboard the boat, and our friendly boatman chatted as we drifted slowly by mossy banks and bush. The local Maori are keen to acquire flintlock muskets from the Europeans, and barter pork, potatoes and flax for this most prized item.
Bartering muskets
Around another corner our boat of passengers almost got caught up in musket fire from both sides of the bank. As one tribe possessed muskets which gave them the advantage in war-fare, the other tribes sought them too.
Hauling cannons ashore
Whaling was a dangerous business in these times, with sailors throwing harpoons from small boats. It was a dangerous business, but the returns were huge.
Harvesting a whale for oil and bone
Whale oil pots, and scrim shore items
Rounding the last corner, all too soon it seemed, we arrived back at the loading bay. Our trip was over, and there was another group of people keenly awaiting their turn. We thought is was a great look into our country’s early past, and can thoroughly recommend it. With two years in the planning, and a further two years to build, Whalers and Traders exhibition is a must see for anyone passing by.
The ladies found their way to Mr Badger’s Cafe for a coffee fix, while Robin and Derek were enjoying a visit to the adjacent Farm Power Hall, chock full of all kinds of vintage machinery. That kept them interested for quite some time!
Plenty to see at the Farm Power Hall
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