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Sam Moreton became involved in the development of
tourism in Fiordland and was almost certainly the one who discovered
the McKinnon Pass in 1882. He was a partner with Donald Sutherland
at Milford. Sam’s wife, Rosa Clara, was the first white woman to
walk what is now known as the Milford Track.
Sam came to New Zealand in 1863 and settled in
Invercargill. He had training in art as part of his early education
and became entranced with the scenery in Fiordland, the Sounds and
their environs. He tramped, climbed and sketched, returning to his
studio to paint the scenery. His artistic achievements were matched
by his ability as a climber and explorer.
His paintings and sketches are renowned for their
accuracy and are still consulted by those who wish to track the
changes in topography over the last century or so. His story is an
integral part of the early history of settlement and the development
of tourism in the South Island or, as he called it, the ‘Middle
Island’ of New Zealand. His output was considerable and much of it
is preserved in the archives of the Turnbull Library in Wellington.
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