Historic Toroa ferry left high and dry

By CATHERINE MASTERS

The steam ferry Toroa starred in a soap opera and saw plenty of real-life drama during a turbulent life on the sea.

But the boat is now high and dry in a paddock at Henderson, where it will be restored to its former glory.

Yesterday, it was the Toroa's turn to be ferried, on a truck, to its temporary new home.

Toroa Preservation Society spokesman Mike Dimond said it was the furthest the vessel had been from the sea.

A maritime historian will help with the restoration and fundraising will continue so the boat can return to the sea in a few years.

The Toroa dates back to 1925. It is fondly remembered by many people who travelled on it across the Waitemata between Devonport and downtown Auckland. It carried up to 20,000 people a day.

"It became quite a place of social gathering, down to the degree where there were a number of clubs that had their meetings on board her as she crossed the harbour," Mr Dimond said.

"Everyone who regularly travelled on her had their own seat and God help you if you sat in their seat."

The ferry's chequered history included appearing on its retirement in the television soap Shortland Street and sinking in a storm four years ago while berthed at Birkenhead Wharf.

Mr Dimond said that while the Toroa had never been aground it had "argued with more than one wharf in her life".

"And she's been reportedly responsible, shall we say, for more than one birth.

"More than one person relates a tale like that."

Society members hope the Toroa will become a cruise vessel and be associated with events such as the America's Cup.