9-Seater Wagon [Waiwera]
Production date
Circa 1878
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Object detail
Accession number
1970.8.39
Production period
Description
Wagon, 9-seater. Also known as the "Waiwera" wagon. This wagon is typical of the horse drawn vehicles used to transport groups of people and goods. In addition, this type of vehicle was used as a hearse. The wagon consists of three rows of seats with back rests, each seat capable of holding three persons - nine in total. It is fitted with four wheels, two small ones in the front and two large ones at the back. The wheels are spoked and joined by an axle. The axle is fitted with leaf springs fitted in parallel with the axle. Both axles have the leaf springs fitted.
Brief History
This wagon is thought to be the first wheeled vehicle to travel between Devonport and Waiwera.
It belonged to Robert Graham, an Auckland merchant and politician. In 1845 he built a house at Wenderholm and in 1863 developed nearby Waiwera as a tourist resort and spa with the construction of a hotel and bath houses. People travelled to Waiwera from Auckland by steamer. In 1878 Robert Graham set out for Waiwera from his home in Devonport with a team of four horses and this wagon. Travelling though bush and scrub they finally arrived on the cliff top at Waiwera. The wagon and horses were carefully lowered down the cliff by ropes. This trip began the road link that extended the Devonport to Orewa route that had been established in 1870.
It was not until 1927 that a main highway between Auckland and Wellsford was surveyed and at this time Waiwera was a staging post where horses were changed. Coaches such as this took 8 hours in summer and 9 hours in winter to travel between Devonport and Warkworth, a trip which takes about one hour in a car today.
It belonged to Robert Graham, an Auckland merchant and politician. In 1845 he built a house at Wenderholm and in 1863 developed nearby Waiwera as a tourist resort and spa with the construction of a hotel and bath houses. People travelled to Waiwera from Auckland by steamer. In 1878 Robert Graham set out for Waiwera from his home in Devonport with a team of four horses and this wagon. Travelling though bush and scrub they finally arrived on the cliff top at Waiwera. The wagon and horses were carefully lowered down the cliff by ropes. This trip began the road link that extended the Devonport to Orewa route that had been established in 1870.
It was not until 1927 that a main highway between Auckland and Wellsford was surveyed and at this time Waiwera was a staging post where horses were changed. Coaches such as this took 8 hours in summer and 9 hours in winter to travel between Devonport and Warkworth, a trip which takes about one hour in a car today.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Circa 1878. 9-Seater Wagon [Waiwera], 1970.8.39. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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