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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.
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Comments

William Kendall said…
The covering is pretty much a necessity for that gap.
6 June 2019 at 10:40
Susan Heather said…
I had missed the post about the cat - glad it has found a good home.
6 June 2019 at 15:12
local alien said…
Glad the kitten is at home now, elsewhere. Interesting history
7 June 2019 at 01:16
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!
7 June 2019 at 05:55
Wayne said…
It does offer a fantastic view!
7 June 2019 at 07:59
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
Good that the spot is preserved and remembered. Interesting story.
7 June 2019 at 07:59
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
Looks like a pretty area - love the water views.
7 June 2019 at 08:17
Spare Parts and Pics said…
What a pretty spot, and interesting history. I love the view!!
7 June 2019 at 08:25
Jim said…
Beautiful scenes.
7 June 2019 at 09:04
Photo Cache said…
Any place that overlooks the water is a must see for me.

Worth a Thousand Words
7 June 2019 at 09:35
Lady Fi said…
What a lovely area.
7 June 2019 at 17:29
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!
7 June 2019 at 19:01
doodles n daydreams said…
I'd love to visit the area some day, so much of our formative history happened up there.
Diana
7 June 2019 at 22:32
PerthDailyPhoto said…
A lot of history in this spot Amy. Gorgeous reflection in your last shot ✨
8 June 2019 at 01:04
carol l mck said…
What a lovely place and delightful photos ^_^

Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
8 June 2019 at 05:23
Bill said…
What a pretty area.
8 June 2019 at 05:32
Sharon said…
It's fun to dig into the details about a place. You never know what you might learn.
8 June 2019 at 10:47
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