The TSS Earnslaw, laid down in Dunedin in 1911, first plied Lake Wakatipu in 1912. For 50 years it mainly carried freight and people to and from remote lakeside settlements. Since the 1970s the ship has mainly been used for scenic cruises. British composer Ron Goodwin wrote the ‘Earnslaw Steam Theme’ as part of his New Zealand Suite, recording some of the distinctive sounds in different parts of the country. Listen to a short extract, played by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/Reference number 45/256 tk2)