Marsden Cross Historic Reserve
The cross marks where the Reverend Samuel Marsden preached his first sermon on Christmas Day 1814.
Marsden Cross was made New Zealand's first missionary settlement, when the chief of Rangihoua pa, Ruatara gifted Marsden the land for the settlement.
The terraces that you can see on this slope today are where the missionaries' homes were and also the country's first school house.
Mardsen Cross taken facing east
There are cultivation lines running down the slope that may be the gardens Marsden's travelling companions referred to as "plantations of kumera, potatoes and other vegetables".
Further up the slope there is also a stone memorial to the Rangihoua mission and those that are buried here.
DOC's work
During February 2012, an archaeological investigation is being carried out at Oihi Bay/Marsden Cross - a joint project between the University of Otago and DOC.
Find out more about the archaeological investigation at Oihi Bay/Marsden Cross
Other work at Marsden Cross includes:
- recent track improvement
- ongoing historic research
Visiting Marden Cross Historic Reserve
This is an opportunity to visit the place of the first permenant European settelment in NZ. There is a wonderful sandy beach, and a track rewards you with great views.
Getting there
Marsden Cross is located on the Purerua Peninsula above the beach at Oihi adjacent to Rangihoua pa.
References
The Story of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park. 1989. Department of Conservation.
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