Butler Point Whaling Museum proudly presents the first-ever public screenings of Caroline Fitzgerald’s director’s cut of Beyond the Known Seas. Watch this insightful documentary at exclusive showings hosted by cruising clubs in Mangonui, Russell, and Kerikeri this October.
Beyond the Known Seas explores the overlooked history of American whalers in New Zealand waters and the lasting cultural impact of a century of whaling on both Māori and whales. Beginning in 1792, American ships searching for sperm and southern right whales entered the Pacific and formed early connections with Māori, who joined the hunt. The film sheds light on how this era reshaped New Zealand, long before Moby Dick was written, during a time when Nantucket was the global hub of the whale oil industry.
Beyond the Known Seas traces New Zealand’s transformation through early contact between Māori and American whalers, the rise of Kororāreka (Russell), and the trade that paved the way to European settlement and the Treaty of Waitangi. The film also explores the southern right whale hunt along the South Island’s east coast.
Shot in New Zealand and the USA, it features interviews with descendants of Māori and Native American whalers, author Nathaniel Philbrick, and leading historians. Rich in archival footage, art, and museum artefacts, it includes scenes from a voyage aboard the last surviving 19th century whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan.
Delicious meals from 'The Boat Club Bistro' available from 5.00pm till 8.30pm and our Bar will be open for thirst quenching drinks from 5.00pm.
All Welcome, but we ask that non-members get a member to sign you in at the bar please.
