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Beginnings of Ōkārito
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Descriptionn the spring of 1865 miners flocked to Ōkārito in search of gold. Prospectors had been to this region before, searching the rivers, but now the previous metal had been discovered in the black sand beaches and the rush was on.
By Christmas 1865, Ōkārito was a township of 800 people. Three months later, the population was 1500. The town supported one of the busiest ports on the West Coast, boasted 33 stores, considerably more pubs and it contemplated building a University. Another 2500 people sought their fortunes just south, at Three Mile and Five Mile beaches, both of which had their own stores and hotels.
Eighteen months later Okarito and the Three and Five Mile Towns were virtually deserted. By the end of 1867, the miners had worked out the black sandss. Those who stayed moved back from the beaches and built massive waters races to aid sluicing and later to run dredges.
Little remains now. If you take the track to Three Mile Lagoon or the beach to Five Mile, you may see some relics of the gold days – reminders of the human industry once here.
Map[1]
By Christmas 1865, Ōkārito was a township of 800 people. Three months later, the population was 1500. The town supported one of the busiest ports on the West Coast, boasted 33 stores, considerably more pubs and it contemplated building a University. Another 2500 people sought their fortunes just south, at Three Mile and Five Mile beaches, both of which had their own stores and hotels.
Eighteen months later Okarito and the Three and Five Mile Towns were virtually deserted. By the end of 1867, the miners had worked out the black sandss. Those who stayed moved back from the beaches and built massive waters races to aid sluicing and later to run dredges.
Little remains now. If you take the track to Three Mile Lagoon or the beach to Five Mile, you may see some relics of the gold days – reminders of the human industry once here.
Map[1] Relates to
Location (city or town)Okarito
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West Coast New Zealand History (15th Jun 2015). Beginnings of Ōkārito. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 20th Apr 2026 22:05, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1120