The reconstruction of the Schooner Tambo stands as a memorial to the 42 ships that wrecked while trying to cross the Hokitika River Bar.
The Tambo was beached on the South Spit 12 November 1866. The crew secured her to an old anchor found buried in the sand. However a fear-some tide and strong river currents forced the ship out to sea again.

Both the wrecked ship and anchor washed up on the beach at Ruatapu