Opotiki formally known as Pakowhai

Weka at our POP in Opotiki.

Driving through the beautiful scenic Waioeka Gorge we arrived at our POP in Opotiki with a warm welcome.  A weka or two wandered around our vans with Honey keeping an eye on these strangers, not much different in size to her.

Wandering into Opotiki the next morning before moving on we found a town that too us was really down and out.  From 1840 until the early 1860’s Pakowhai was a booming port.

Bicycle built for one

In 1865 The Rev Carl Volkner set up the Mission Station after which the ensuring Maori Wars caused him to take his wife to Auckland for safety, returning back with Rev Thomas Grace he was hanged claiming he was a British Spy.

Courthouse Opotiki

Carving across from the Courthouse in Opotiki

Hiona St Stephens Church Opotiki was renamed in 1995

War Memorial in Opotoki, newly painted ready for ANZAC Day.

Next stop Awakeri.