Wuhoo Timaru - Find Free Fun! - Whaling in New Zealand

Whaling was one of New Zealand’s earliest major industries, with both offshore and shore-based operations starting in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Ship-based whalers—mainly British, American, and French—hunted sperm whales in offshore waters, while shore whaling stations were set up along the east coast of the South Island and parts of the North Island, where they targeted southern right whales in nearby bays and harbours.
The first New Zealand shore station was established at Dusky Sound in 1829, followed by others in places like Cloudy Bay, Otago, Banks Peninsula, and Timaru.
Māori were deeply involved in the industry: they worked as crew members, traded provisions, and intermarried with European whalers. Their participation was crucial to the success of many stations, and their relationships helped form early bicultural communities.
The industry peaked in the 1830s and 1840s, then declined as whale populations were overhunted and markets changed.
In the 20th century, whaling continued on a small scale until New Zealand banned all whaling in 1964.
Today, the legacy of whaling is preserved in place names, family histories, and cultural narratives throughout Aotearoa.

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