An eclectic mix of history, art & country gardens

Tikokino, on SH50 north of Ongaonga, began as a 'very neat little town' of 86 sections sold in 1860. The town was originally named Hampden, after Sir John Hampden and was settled in anticipation of the main railway line from Napier to Wellington passing through the town.

But the railway was never to come through Hampden, and the town eventually made a name for itself for the milling of totara and white pine from the surrounding bush. At one time, as many as 20 timber mills were reported to be working in the area. Eventually, the timber ran out, partly through milling and partly as a result of huge bushfires, and the town became a service centre for the surrounding farming district.

Today, Tikokino is surrounded by large commercial orchards and a number of country gardens that are open to the public at certain times of the year. For more information on gardens to visit contact the Visitor Information Centre in Waipukurau, phone (06) 858 6488.

A stroll through the peaceful rural village reveals some of the early cottages still nestled amongst more modern dwellings. An early general store, Old Flynn's Store, built in 1894, still stands on SH50, and the, now-closed hotel, the second on the site after the first was destroyed by fire, still has the name The Sawyer's Arms after the many mill-workers who used to congregate there. Tikokino also hosts an annual sports day, which includes horse sports and dog trials, and attracts competitors from all over Hawke's Bay and beyond.

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