The white launch is the hydrofoil Manu-wai, which operated services to Matiatia and Pakatoa Island from 1964 for Kerridge Odeon Tourist Services. The vessel was sold in 1968 to NSF Group, but declared “black” by the Seamen’s Union in 1973 and never re-entered service. She was sold in 1981 for restoration.
The larger ship is one of the distinctive British India class of five identical ships, Bulimba, Bankura, Barpeta, Bamora and Bombala, all built by Harland & Wolff at Govan, Glasgow, between 1959-1961. Specifications were: 6,793 gross tonnage, 7,324 deadweight tonnage; 426’ length overall x 59.3’ beam. The name of this one can't be made out. All five were sold in 1971 to other owners.
The tug berthed ahead of the British India ship's bow is Aucklander, the tug that is now in use as a floating restaurant near Freyberg Pool in Wellington.
For lots more, see the book New Zealand Maritime Images: the Golden Years
The Manu-wai is currently based in Sydney, and the owner is looking to restore it to a fully operational, not-for-profit historic vessel carrying fare-paying passengers.
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