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Story: Bush trams and other log transport

16–bullock team

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16–bullock team

Until 1900, bullock teams were the main form of bush transport. With 16 bullocks, this Northland team was unusually large. The animals are joined with wooden yokes and coupling chains. The drivers carry long whips, which often had lancewood handles and flax lashes. The whips were cracked as much to emphasise verbal commands as to inflict pain.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Northwood Collection (PA-Group-00027)

Reference: 1/2-090948; F

by Arthur James Northwood

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Paul Mahoney, Bush trams and other log transport – Skidding and hauling, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12224/16-bullock-team (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Paul Mahoney, published 1 March 2009.