The Settlement

of Puhoi

150 years ago.

The 50th Anniversary in 1913 - almost 100 years ago.

This is the website of the

After a long 4 month journey from their BOHEMIAN Homeland - (then part of the Austrian Empire - now Czech Republic), the 1st group of 83 immigrants bound for Puhoi reached Auckland, New Zealand on the sailing vessel 'War Spirit'. Of these, 33 were children including 2 babies born on the voyage out.

Two days later on 29th June 1863, they were taken further north on a sailing cutter and then landed by Maori canoe onto the banks of the Puhoi River.

Little preparation had been made for their arrival. The isolation and wilderness were not what had been expected and they were totally exhausted but there was no going back.

Further groups of Bohemians followed and contact was made with mainly English, Irish and Scottish settlers on adjoining blocks.

By the sheer hard work and determination of them all, Puhoi survived and eventually prospered. It remains a small village and retains much of it's special character.

For more view Puhoi Historical Society's website www.puhoihistoricalsociety.org.nz/History

'Puhoi 150th Anniversary

Steering Committee'

planning the 2013 commemoration of the initial

landing and the establishment of Puhoi.

Last Updated: 13 June 2010