Descendants flock in droves to celebrate Albertland arrival

About 700 people from around the world will converge on a small Northland settlement to mark 150 years since the arrival of the Albertlanders.

Port Albert, 9km west of Wellsford, will be a hive of activity for three days from Friday as descendants of the Albertlanders attend the event that includes bus and boat trips, cultural performances and a launch regatta.

The Albertlanders set sail from Britain for New Zealand on May 26, 1862, aboard numerous ships, including the Matilda Wattenbach, Hanover and William Miles.

The Matilda Wattenbach made it to Auckland first on September 8, 1862, from where it sailed to the Kaipara Harbour and the new settlers set foot on the settlement of Albertland, now known as Port Albert.

Among them were farmers, carpenters, servants, butchers, joiners, cabinet-makers, millers, drapers, sawyers and clerks.

A sub-committee of the Wellsford Museum is working around the clock to cater for the hundreds expected from as far away as England and Australia.

Committee member Marilyn Shepherd said organisers were surprised to have 700 people booked already.

After Friday's opening, there will be bus and boat trips, displays and three multimedia shows.

There will be more trips on Saturday, followed by lunch at the Te Ao Marama Maori cultural centre at Te Hana.

A re-enactment and cultural shows will also be held.

A remembrance is planned for the final day, as well as a tree-planting session, a launch regatta and children's games.