The Buildings
The Boatshed Building has a rich history from it's start as a goods store to the meticulously restored building it is today .
Goods Store 1869 -1878
Queenstown Steamer Wharf
The Ticket Office dates back to 1869 - 1878 when it was built by J.W. Robertson and Company as a goods store or something similar, near present day Steamer Wharf.
Image: As Goods Shed, circled in Queenstown, c.1870s. LDM.
NZR Ticket Office 1902 -1936
Steamer Wharf, Queenstown
In 1902 the New Zealand Railways (NZR) began using the goods shed as the Ticket Office for the Lake Wakatipu Steamer Service. The Ticket Office was then sold and removed from the site around 1936.
Image: NZR Shipping Office, c.1920s. LDM.
The photo opposite was taken by Captain George Herbert, shows three new double hung sash windows and a six light window in the roof apex. Some of these windows were found and reused during the restoration.
Holiday Cottage 1936 - 1960's
In 1936 Fred G. Duncan acquired the Ticket Office to use as a holiday cottage for his family. The building was shifted from the Steamer Wharf, via Walter Peak, and placed in its present site, beside the Boatshed.
Image: Duncan's holiday cottage, c.1950s. S. Nesbitt.
Lilac Cottage 1960's -1990's
Sometime during the 1960s the Tomkies family took over the lease. They named the building "Lilac Cottage" after the two large lilac bushes which flanked the entrance gate.
Image: Nesbitt family holidaying at Duncan's cottage, c.1950s. S. Nesbitt.
Steamer Cottage 1990's to 2000
During the 1990s Dorren Sudden leased the cottage from Ray Tomkies and lived in the house.
During the mid 1990s until 2000, the building became known as Steamer Cottage. A two storey extension was built to the Ticket Office and the boatshed was used as a furniture workshop.
Several boats were restored over this time, including the Molyneux and the Leanne. In 2000, after growing safety concerns for the building, the Council issued an eviction notice.
Image: Thelma on big slip, c.mid 1990s.
The Boat Shed 2000's
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