Story: Shipbuilding

Remains of the Platypus

Remains of the Platypus

The Platypus was an iron-plate submarine, over 10 metres long. It was built by a Dunedin ironworks in 1873 to mine for underwater gold. However, trouble during the second trial threatened the viability of the project. Fifty years later, after rusting on the wharf, the submarine was cut into three parts. The two front parts, pictured here, are now held at the Strath Taieri Historical Museum in Middlemarch, Otago.

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Strath Taieri Historical Museum
Photograph by G. Brett

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How to cite this page:

Gavin McLean, 'Shipbuilding - The iron and steel era', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5498/remains-of-the-platypus (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Gavin McLean, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 1 Jul 2015