The Dunedin on an early winters’ morning moored at Port Chalmers is awaiting loading in 1877. The Dunedin was the first vessel to transport frozen meat which revolutionised the exporting of New Zealand’s primary products, giving a huge boost to the country’s farming community. 

The Dunedin was one of four Auckland class vessels owned by the Shaw Savill Albion Line.

Also featured in the painting is the first graving dock, that was built to service the increase in shipping that came about with the Otago gold rush bringing in more immigrant ships. In the foreground boat building is underway in Careys Bay.