Thursday 6 June 2019

Okiato Historic Reserve




This place doesn't look like much. A spectacular view over the Bay of Islands, a small fence around a well - what's there to say?




But if you dig deeper there's quite a bit of information about this spot which has been named as NZ's first capital from 1840-1841. The land and buildings that were here were owned by James Clendon who ran a very successful trading station. However when Governor William Hobson arrived here he had to find a site for a government settlement and Okiato was picked.



William Hobson had a surveyor draw up plans for a new town to be developed which was to be named "Russell". The site was never followed through with as intended and the buildings that were left there by James Clendon formed formed the first foundations of the area.



In 1842 William Hobson moved the capital to Auckland leaving the police magistrate at Okiato and in  a few months later the government house and it's offices were destroyed by a fire. This old well is all that remains at this particular spot.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

17 comments:

William Kendall said...

The covering is pretty much a necessity for that gap.

Susan Heather said...

I had missed the post about the cat - glad it has found a good home.

local alien said...

Glad the kitten is at home now, elsewhere. Interesting history

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I am glad the well has a cover. The last photo is a beautiful view. Enjoy your day, have a great weekend!

Wayne said...

It does offer a fantastic view!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Good that the spot is preserved and remembered. Interesting story.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Looks like a pretty area - love the water views.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

What a pretty spot, and interesting history. I love the view!!

Jim said...

Beautiful scenes.

Photo Cache said...

Any place that overlooks the water is a must see for me.

Worth a Thousand Words

Lady Fi said...

What a lovely area.

Iris Flavia said...

Hi Amy, I saw you at Grace´s blog, I´m a rain-lover, too and I know "a Kiwi" who lives here in Braunschweig, Germany.
An interesting and sad story at the same time, but great they have the well as rememerance. I also love the last pic!

doodles n daydreams said...

I'd love to visit the area some day, so much of our formative history happened up there.
Diana

PerthDailyPhoto said...

A lot of history in this spot Amy. Gorgeous reflection in your last shot ✨

carol l mckenna said...

What a lovely place and delightful photos ^_^

Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Bill said...

What a pretty area.

Sharon said...

It's fun to dig into the details about a place. You never know what you might learn.

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