Okiato
Okiato | |
|---|---|
New Zealand's First Capital | |
| Coordinates: 35°18′14″S 174°07′19″E / 35.304°S 174.122°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Far North District |
| Ward | Bay of Islands/Whangaroa |
| Community | Bay of Islands-Whangaroa |
| Subdivision | Russell-Ōpua |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Far North District Council |
| • Regional council | Northland Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Far North | Moko Tepania |
| • Northland MP | Grant McCallum |
| • Te Tai Tokerau MP | Mariameno Kapa-Kingi |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.33 km2 (0.13 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024) | |
• Total | 200 |
| • Density | 610/km2 (1,600/sq mi) |
| Postcode | 0272 |
Okiato or Old Russell is a small town in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of present-day Russell. It was founded in 1840 and served as New Zealand's first national capital until 1841, when the seat of government was moved to Auckland. The car ferry across the Bay of Islands, which provides the main access to Russell, runs between Okiato and Opua.