First Survey Mark, North Otago. South Is. New Zealand.
S 45° 13.985 E 170° 47.205
59G E 483260 N 4991134
The first Survey Marker stone in North Otago lies on a prominent hilltop outside the town of Herbert, south of Oamaru, marked with a bronze plaque.
Waymark Code: WM813J
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 01/07/2010
Views: 13
The English contributed to the transformation of New Zealand’s landscape. They featured prominently among surveyors and engineers.
John Turnbull Thomson is said to have been born on 10 August 1821 at Glororum farm, near Bamburgh, Northumberland, England, and on his arrival in Auckland in February 1856 on the Ashmore he found that his previous excellent surveying reputation in Singapore had preceded him and he was offered the position of chief surveyor of Otago. Only the coast of Otago had previously been mapped, and Thomson accepted the challenge of exploring and mapping this huge territory.
During 1857 and early 1858 he carried out his marathon reconnaissance survey of Otago, covering the whole province on horseback in a series of sweeps that took him as far west as the Waiau River and as far north as Mt Cook. He explored the Waitaki River to its source at the head of Lake Pukaki, and crossed and named the Lindis Pass, called after Lindisfarne Island near his home. From Mt Grandview, he named Mt Aspiring and Mt Pisa; Mt Earnslaw he named later, after his grandfather's farm. Many other features such as the Twizel River, Cardrona River and Mt St Bathans he also named after places in his homeland. As a result of his survey the first map of the interior of Otago was published in 1860.
This historic survey stone marks where the Chief Surveyor of Otago, commenced the first survey of North Otago in 1857. A bronze plaque has been placed here, which was unveiled during a millenium sunrise ceremony.
Description: Carved stone marker with a plaque.
On the hilltop you will find a large round stone construction with marker stone in the centre. Signposted with access through cemetery on Double Hill Road, Herbert.
State/Territory: South Island NZ
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Visit Instructions:
Include a photo of the mark with your GPS and give a description of your visit. Include any information regarding changes to the marker or area others may find useful. Additional photos of the surrounding area are also welcome.