Maheno

Maheno may refer to several related subjects, most notably a small coastal settlement in New Zealand and a historic ocean liner whose wreck remains a landmark on Fraser Island, Australia.

Maheno, New Zealand, is a rural coastal settlement on the eastern side of the South Island. It lies in the Canterbury region, within the Waitaki area, roughly between the towns of Oamaru and Moeraki. The locality is characterized by a quiet coastal environment, farmland, and access to nearby beaches. It is used primarily for local farming and by visitors seeking the scenic coastline of the region.

SS Maheno was a passenger liner built in the early 20th century for the New Zealand Shipping Company. In its career it served as a civilian liner and, during World War I, was used as a hospital ship by the British. After a long service life, the ship was eventually sold and, in 1935, was driven ashore by a cyclone on Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The hull remained on Seventy-Five Mile Beach and is now a rusting wreck, a recognizable landmark and tourist attraction accessible to visitors traveling along the beach.

Today, the Maheno wreck is a well-known feature of Fraser Island’s maritime heritage and a frequent subject of photography and exploration, drawing interest from both historians and tourists.