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Story: Transport – overview

Paddle steamer

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Paddle steamer

Steam engines provided a fast, reliable means of transport from the second half of the 19th century. They powered trains, traction engines and vessels, such as this paddle steamer, Luna. Shown in Milford Sound, it was used to convey wealthy tourists around Fiordland in comparative comfort.

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Hocken Collections, University of Otago

Reference: S09-350e

Permission of the Hocken Collections 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

James Watson, Transport – overview – Transport trends, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/24973/paddle-steamer (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by James Watson, published 10 June 2013.