Riverton - Aparima

Riverton, (pop 1,400) one of New Zealand’s (c)oldest towns, began its life as a whaling station founded by John Howell in the 1830s. One of the South Island's oldest remaining settler cottages is here in Riverton/Aparima, it goes by the name Kohikohi, or Howell's Cottage. Kohikohi was Howell's first wife. His second had 17 children.

The town also has a memorial to Howell, along with many interesting old houses and cottages and such historic public buildings as a Customs House and Athenaeum. If you have an interest in social history Te Hikoi Museum is worth a visit. The Museum, half of which is within the historic courthouse, co-habits with the visitor centre. Here the name 'Te Hikoi' is inlaid in the front desk in glittering paua shell. This is a hint about the Paua industry in the area, which is also celebrated with a unique oversize Paua sculpture. Other kaimoana is also in abundance, like crayfish, whtebait, flounder, blue cod and mussels. It is hinted that at times it is possible to swim with the dolphins. Fishing boats still tie up at the wharf. This far south, the water is not warm, but there are some safe sandy beaches, named Orepuki, Monkey Island, North Beach, and Cosy Nook.

Another oldie but a goodie is St Mary's Anglican Church, which is unmissable on Palmerston Street not far from the bridge. It was builtin in 1902 in Carpenter Gothic Style. Earlier Bishop Selwyn had taken an interest in Riverton, visiting the area since 1844, baptising babies and holding weddings, initially in St Paulin's Hotel, before ordering the 1860s version of St Mary's which was superseded by this one.

Riverton happens to have been the home town of Duncan Stirling, an architect and identity who went north to design many beautiful churches around the East Cape, including Christ Church Raukokore, where he settled with his Maori Chieftainess wife Mihi Kotukutuku.

Riverton is marketed as a destination on the Southern Scenic Route. If you take photos here, please feel free to SEND THEM IN

Image Credits: Derek Smith and Maclean Barker Photographers and Jackie White