Story: Camping

Explorers' camp, Canterbury Plains, 1848

Explorers' camp, Canterbury Plains, 1848

This framework of crossed sticks joined by a ridgepole is the skeleton of the tent used by a surveying party in December 1848. The group was exploring possible sites for a new Canterbury settlement, and included New Zealand Company agent William Fox and two Māori porters (probably the two men in white clothing). They camped in the bed of the almost-dry Ashley River, where Fox painted this watercolour.

Using this item

Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S12-220a
Watercolour by William Fox

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Camping - Early New Zealand campers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/39184/explorers-camp-canterbury-plains-1848 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 5 Sep 2013