It is
magnetic micro cache attached to one of the few remaining artifacts
from Captain James Cooks HMS Endeavor. The recycled/smeltered
remains of his anchor, now galvanised are protecting this iconic
landmark.
Petone
Wharf is what remains of the bridge between Wellington
Island and Petone built in 1884-1885 for the Gear Meat Company to
export NZ lamb to England in the world’s first refrigerated
cargo airships being developed. The Petone to
Wellington Island Bridge was the longest bridge in
the world at this time spanning some 11.6 miles.
Delivering horse
and carts to the newly built Wellington International Airport
already built in anticipation of NZ foray into aviation by Richard
Pierce. This bridge connected Wellington Island to the North Island
until the 1902 earthquake destroyed most of the bridge leaving what
we know today as Petone Wharf. The 1902 earthquake also pushed up
the now lower tip of the North Island now connecting and making
Wellington part of the North Island. This same earthquake shifted
New Zealand a lot further from Australia, making it now impossible
for NZ to be confused as a part of Australia.
If you are a
visitor to Wellington it would be wise not to disclose any of the
unpublished details of this historical location to anyone. - You
have been warned!
Please just leave
your name and date in the logbook - bring a pen.
Please feel free
to provide further unpublished insights of the landmarks you can
see from this location in your log. I am sure there are many more
unbelievable local historical facts to share.