This replica model of the endeavour was made in 1969 and greets visitors to Gisborne from it's elevated position. It is one of two models, this one having been recently restored with it's rigging as authentic as possible. Gisborne District Council took down the model in 2010 because it had rotting plywood and was a safety risk.
The model was built for the 1969 celebrations marking the bicentenary of Cook's first landing in New Zealand, not far from Gisborne. The original models were made of marine plywood, were quite lightweight and not expected to last for more than a year.
But they did last until 1978 when the two model ships were taken down and completely rebuilt by teachers and students at Gisborne Boys High School. In 1999 prior to the millennium celebrations the models were refurbished and re-rigged by people involved in the original construction.
In it's latest restoration, it has acquired electroplated steel in it's framing and marine ply for the body of the ship and all wood and ply has been coated with a marine preservative before being painted. Sails have been replicated using ply, which will last longer than the canvas sails of the original. The second model is currently undergoing the same restoration before being returned to another site in the future.
The Cache is a small container only large enough for a log. Bring your own pen to sign the log. Terrain marked 1.5 because of potential traffic. High muggle area at times.