Lady of the Lake to celebrate 95th birthday

19 October 2007

The Wakatipu’s most visible link with its pioneering past – the elegant coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw – celebrated her 95th birthday in style on Thursday 18 October.

The special locals’ cruise travelled around the Frankton Arm The Arrowtown Miners Band played on board and all passengers received complimentary birthday cake, tea and coffee to help celebrate the occasion.

Real Journeys Queenstown Operations Manager Tracey Maclaren said she was pleased for the very good turnout for the birthday cruise – especially from those who had worked on the TSS Earnslaw over the years. “She’s a magnificent historic vessel and a lot of locals have a great deal of affection for her. Indeed, many Queenstowners have been directly associated with her in some way. It was wonderful to have them on board the birthday cruise.”

Residents of the Wakatipu Home for the Elderly and anyone who is the same age or older than the TSS Earnslaw travelled free of charge.

The TSS Earnslaw is considered the grandest vessel ever to grace Lake Wakatipu. When she was launched in 1912, people travelled from Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch to cruise on her maiden voyage from Kingston to Queenstown. Large crowds welcomed her into Queenstown Bay where residents were amazed at her size. A public holiday was declared the following day so everyone could travel on a special trip to Glenorchy.

Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the last passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship remaining in the southern hemisphere.

“She has carried some special passengers over the years – including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, the King and Queen of Belgium and the Prince of Thailand,” Ms Maclaren said.

TSS Earnslaw Birthday Cruise was held at 10am, 18 October 2007
$20 Locals; $10 Seniors (65+); Children under 14 free

For historic photos, background information and contacts for interviews, please contact:

Diana McCurdy
Real Journeys Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: 03 442 4830
Email: dmccurdy@realjourneys.co.nz

Or

Tracey Maclaren
Real Journeys Queenstown Operations Manager
Tel: 03 409 0592 / 027 221 8196
Email: tmaclaren@realjourneys.co.nz