Okiato: New Zealand's First Capital
Okiato, a small town in the Bay of Islands in Northland, is located 7 kilometres south of Russell. This town holds historical significance as it was briefly the first capital of New Zealand following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Although the capital was moved to Auckland in 1841 and later to Wellington, Okiato still offers a glimpse into its past with a grassy reserve that overlooks the Veronica Channel. Here, you can find the original well, an archaeological description of its contents, and a panel detailing the former government buildings.
A Brief History of Okiato
In 1832, Captain James Clendon acquired land in Okiato from local Māori. Clendon later became the first United States Consul for New Zealand in 1838/1839. In 1840, Governor William Hobson sought a suitable location for the capital in the Bay of Islands. Clendon's property, with its good harbour and land for settlers, was ideal. Hobson purchased the land for £15,000 and renamed it Russell, after Lord Russell, the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Hobson, his family, builders, and administrators moved there in May 1840, and a Government House was constructed. However, it burned down after the capital moved to Auckland in 1841.
The Evolution of Russell and Okiato
Around the same time, the town of Kororāreka, which was the first established European town in New Zealand, also became known as Russell. In 1844, Governor Robert FitzRoy formally incorporated this town as Russell. Today, Okiato refers to the original capital site, while Russell is the name for what was once Kororāreka.
How to Get to Okiato
To reach Okiato, you can take the car ferry from Opua, which serves as the northern access point to Russell. From the ferry landing, take Aucks Road a short distance, then turn left onto Pipiroa Road, then almost immediately left again onto James Clendon Place. The historic reserve is at the end of this street.
Nearby, you can also visit the charming town of Russell and its beach, visit historic Te Maiki / Flagstaff Hill, and hike to the pā site on Tapeka Point. Or head north from Opua to Paihia and Waitangi.
