Settlers’ Cairn

Settlers’ Cairn

Clevedon Wharf Reserve, 58R Clevedon-Kawakawa Road
Trail marker #11

The earliest European settlers to the Wairoa Valley were the McNicol and Hoye families who bought land on the east and west sides of the Wairoa River in 1853.

The Cairn is situated on what was Duncan McNicol’s property, marking the landing of these pioneering families to the district. It was unveiled in 1952 to celebrate (somewhat prematurely) 100 years by Jack McNicol and Colin Hoye, grandsons of the first settlers and built by two descendants of early settlers, Wallis Alexander and David Shaw.

Location Map

You are currently at Heritage Trail Location #11, Settlers’ Cairn

Ready to see the next site? Follow the path highlighted on the adjacent map or follow the directions below to reach your next location:



McNicol Homestead (approx 350m)

Important Safety Note: Until a planned trail is constructed, this stop requires you to walk on-road. Consider visiting this site at a later date via car. Note that McNicol Homestead is open to the public Saturday & Sunday afternoons, 1-4pm.

  • Next site:
    McNicol Homestead (approx 350m)

    Return to the main road and continue eastwards to the end of the footpath. Cross to the south-side of Clevedon-Kawakawa Road and continue eastwards to McNicol Road. Turn right and walk along the road edge approx 100m to the McNicol Homestead Driveway. Cross the road with care and continue up the driveway to the Homestead itself. 

The information for each site has been thoughtfully prepared in collaboration with the Clevedon Districts Historical Society, drawing on Voices of Belonging by Jessie Munro, Yesteryears by F. Murray, and records from the McNicol Homestead Museum. Together, they tell the story of Clevedon and the people and places that made it the community we know today.

A special acknowledgement to photographer Donna Jepsen for her work capturing these sites as they appear today.