harken new zealand / fosters ship chandlery

Preparing for our next voyage, we headed up the hill to the corner of Fanshawe & Hobson to Fosters.

As soon as you step off the noisy street through the arched doorway, the old wood smell creeps up the steps, into your nose and transports you back in time.  The historic building was constructed by Alex Foster in 1906, directly opposite the original Auckland waterfront (before the land reclamation).  Alex Foster began a small engineering and marine supply agency called Alex Foster & Co. in the downstairs section of the building.

Today it is the home of Harken New Zealand / Fosters Ship Chandlery.  Half store/half museum, you will find marine supplies as well as historic photos and nautical antiques.

We met with Garry Lock, Managing Director at Harken.  He is part of our team, helping us go into the deep blue once more.  Nothing happens in the sailing game without friendship and expertise.

Our barefoot crew entering the Fosters Building on the corner of Fanshawe & Hobson.

Garry Lock, Managing Director - Harken New Zealand