The Zealandia, a fine, iron clipper-built ship of 1,116 tons was built for the Shaw Saville Co. in 1869, and made her maiden voyage to Lyttelton, arriving there on 20 November 1869, in command of Captain Henry Rose, making a good run of 84 days from Gravesend and 76 land to land. The Zealandia was a beautiful ship, specially designed for carrying passengers. Her saloon was spacious and lofty, and the cabins were unusually large and well ventilated, having extra large portholes to them. She had some special cabins for families, and a ladies saloon. The second cabin was on deck, and the berths were larger than usual and well lighted.Back to the Bluff Passenger Ships Page.The Zealandia had an eventful career, at one time being in collision with another ship in mid-ocean, and on other occasions encountering terrific gales in the Southern Ocean. In 1877 when the ship collided with the Ellen Lamb the Zealandia was in command of Captain Sellars, a fine old English gentleman, who was remembered by Auckland residents when he bought the Bombay into port with all of her masts gone.
The Zealandia after completing 31 voyages to New Zealand, was sold to the Russians. She made three voyages to Bluff, 1897, 1898, and 1899.
As yet I have not been able to find any passenger lists for this ship, but I will keep on looking.
