Wreck of the S.S.Gairloch

Explore the remains of one of the many ships claimed by the rugged Taranaki coastline. The S.S.Gairloch ran aground on the coast south of Oakura on January 5, 1903, on a journey from Onehunga, bound for Raglan, Kawhia, Opunake and Whanganui, with a crew of crew and a cargo of sugar and timber, but no passenger lives were lost. The weeks following the grounding saw most cargo and fittings salvaged from the wreck.

The Gairloch was built in Glasgow in 1884 for the Northern Steamship Company to service northern ports on New Zealand’s west coast, carrying cattle, cargo and passengers. Special mention to https://adventure.nunn.nz/2020/04/15/wreck-of-the-gairloch/ for the detailed information.

Getting there: Beach access at low tide from either Lower Timaru Rd or Weld Rd. Weld Road has better parking. 

From Weld Road, walk through the grass reserve to the left where access with dry feet is possible via a suspension bridge over the Timaru River, situated at the end of the reserve.

Wildlife: 1/2

Scenic: 1

History / Points of interest: 1

Quiet / Relaxed: 1

Visit again: 1

Smiles per Hour rating: 4.5