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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Waikouaiti

Waikouaiti , in the county of the same name—the word means “Receding Water”—is a small borough town, on the main line of railway, thirty-two miles north-east of Dunedin. The town was formerly known as Hawksbury, and this name is still retained in connection with the Hawksbury Borough Council. Waikouaiti bears the distinction of being the oldest settlement in Otago, and was formerly a whaling station. Here the pioneers of Otago, under the leadership of Mr. John Jones, arrived in the brig “Magnet” in 1840. The later settlers of the province obtained from these pioneers their first sheep, cattle, horses and grain. A Wesleyan mission station was also established at Waikouaiti before Otago was settled. The town is near the Waikouaiti river and sea coast, where there is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. There is good rabbit shooting in the district, and the river in well stocked with trout. Sheepfarming, dairying, and agriculture are carried on in the district. A grand view of the surrounding country is obtainable from Mount Watkins, and the Matanaka Caves are within easy walking distance. Besides being the headquarters of the Waikouaiti County Council and the Hawksbury Borough Council, the town has, also, a branch bank, school, churches, two hotels, a dairy factory, a flour mill, and a post, telegraph, and money order office.