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Celebrate 11 years of Heritage Tugboat Sailings

Take a trip back in time aboard the historic steam tugboat the William C Daldy during the Auckland Heritage Festival.

Ports of Auckland are proud to announce the return of the historic William C Daldy steam tugboat tours as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival for the eleventh year running! Tours aboard the 84-year-old tug will occur every Saturday and Sunday during the festival, from 5 to 20 October.

The theme for this year's Auckland Heritage Festival is 'Journeys – Explore the stories of how our people travelled to Tāmaki Makaurau to create a shared future together'. Captain Keith Ingram and the crew of volunteers showcase how the people of Auckland used to journey across the Waitematā, as well as recount the Daldy's impressive journey from Scotland to Aotearoa in 1935. Fun fact: the tugboat is named after William 'Crush' Daldy, the first chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board.

Experience an all access journey aboard this floating piece of history; discover the inner workings of the steam tugboat by visiting the engine room, the heat of the boiler room and the wheelhouse up top. Each cruise will be accompanied by a detailed commentary on Auckland's maritime heritage.

These family-friendly tours will cruise through the port's wharves at work and under the Auckland Harbour Bridge where the Daldy once famously saved a piece from floating away during its construction in 1958.

The cost of these sailings are fully funded by Ports of Auckland and proceeds from ticket sales go to the William C Daldy Preservation Society, a group of volunteers who keep the Daldy afloat for Aucklanders to enjoy. A portion will also go to the Ports of Auckland Education Programme.

ENDS

​​For further information contact:

Morgan MacFadyen
Communications Advisor
M: +6421 0267 1949

Notes to editor:

Media: Arrange a one-on-one tour of the Daldy at its Hobson Wharf berth prior to the festival commencing on Saturday 5 October. Contact Morgan MacFadyen on 021 0267 1949 or [email protected]. Complimentary tour booking codes can also be provided to media wishing to take a tour during the festival.
Where: Boarding for the tours takes place at Captain Cook Wharf, accessed via Queens Wharf.
Bookings: Bookings are essential as tours fill up fast. Visit https://poalahf2019.eventbrite.co.nz to book your tour now.
Sailing Timetable: Tours will depart at 10.00am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm every Saturday and Sunday during the Auckland Heritage Festival from 5 – 20 October.  
Tickets: $15 per adult, $5 for children under the age of 16, children under 2 sail free​.