Opening of James Cook Monument, 1913

Robert McNab, historian and minister of lands in the Liberal government, was closely associated with the development of the Ship Cove monument in Queen Charlotte Sound. This is where Captain James Cook spent most time in New Zealand throughout his voyages. The monument was unveiled on 11 February 1913 and can still be seen on the Queen Charlotte Walkway. The reserve pre-dates the Scenery Preservation Act and was established in 1896. The area remains of continuing interest to historians and anthropologists.