Lyttelton Harbour will welcome the Dutch tall sailing ship Oosterschelde on 27 December 2024, as Canterbury begins its 175th anniversary celebrations of European settlement.
The ship is set to dock at 9:00 am, marking a milestone in the region’s rich history.
This date holds special significance for Canterbury. It was on 27 December 1850 that the Cressy, the last of the First Four Ships, arrived in Lyttelton Harbour, completing the journey of the first Canterbury Pilgrims.
These settlers laid the foundation for Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region, shaping its future as a vibrant, thriving community.
Oosterschelde’ near Singapore 1997
Photographer Pieter Nijdeken
The Canterbury Pilgrims Association said Oosterschelde’s arrival symbolises the adventurous spirit and resilience of the Canterbury Pilgrims, who endured a months-long voyage across the globe to start anew.
Their arrival in 1850 was the beginning of a bold vision for the region, guided by the Canterbury Association’s plan to create a well-ordered, Anglican settlement.
The 175th anniversary offers a chance to reflect on that legacy, celebrating the courage of those early settlers while acknowledging how their efforts contributed to Canterbury’s development.
The commemorations will also honour the cultural and historical connections of the region to its early European settlers, tying the past to the present.
Lyttelton Harbour was the first point of contact for the Canterbury Pilgrims.
The Oosterschelde, a three-masted schooner built in 1918, is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic ships.
Her visit to Lyttelton is part of her ongoing mission to preserve maritime history.
Having completed multiple global voyages, including previous trips to New Zealand, the ship is a fitting ambassador for Canterbury’s celebrations.
The ship’s arrival will launch a series of events honouring the Pilgrims’ journey and their lasting impact on the region. Organised by the Canterbury Pilgrims Association, the events will include:
•A pilgrimage to Pilgrims Rock in Lyttelton, marking the landing site of the first settlers.
•Community dinners and gatherings, celebrating Canterbury’s shared history.
•Educational programs and reenactments, bringing the stories of the Pilgrims to life.
The event will highlight Lyttelton’s role as the gateway to Canterbury and its ongoing importance to the region.
The Oosterschelde, with her storied past and connection to global maritime heritage, will be a striking presence in the harbour, reminding all of the incredible journeys that shaped Canterbury’s history.
