This amateur film documents the launching and christening of small vessel named “Oranui” and footage of the 1960 visit by the submarine, USS Halibut, which is moored in Wellington harbour with an early nuclear cruise missile on its deck.
Also of note are whale chasing boats actively hunting and harpooning whales, possibly in the Tory channel. and a visit to Stephens Island and its lighthouse.
TITLE:Launching Boat, Submarine and Whaling.
General Views of a boat, the “Oranui”, being towed on trailer outside warehouse at Queens Wharf, Wellington.
General Views of men attaching cables to the “Oranui” and vessel being lifted by crane.
Woman christening the “Oranui” by smashing champagne bottle on hull.
General Views of crane lowering mast into place on deck of “Oranui” - crowds stand on wharf watching.
General Views of “Oranui” sailing from wharf and into Wellington harbour.
General Views of United States Navy submarine, “USS Halibut” (nuclear powered submarine), docked at Wellington Harbour. Submarine crew standing near Regulus nuclear capable cruise missile on deck
General Views of whale chasing boats hunting whales and firing harpoons - whale near surface spouting blood from blowhole.
General Views of whale near surface waving fluke above water.
General Views of whale chasing boats towing whale carcasses and sailing in Tory channel.
Man on whale chasing boat harpooning whale - Man on chase boat drives lance into whale.
General Views of New Zealand fur seal colony on rocks.
Men lifting small yacht [x-class dinghy] onto trailer - keel is adjusted as yacht is lowered onto trailer.
Small yacht [x-class dinghy] and small boat moored at wharf.
General Views of people walking near Stephens Island lighthouse and homestead.
General Views of coast on Marlborough Sounds and Cook Strait from onboard boat.