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Daniel, accompanied by his brother-in-law Josiah Firth, traversed the Maungakawa Range, arriving at the captivating Pukemakomako hill. Enchanted by the idea of building his home atop this hill, Daniel envisioned a flourishing wheat farm to supply their upcoming flour mill. The land, initially known as the Maungakawa and Maunganui Surveys, bordered the monumental Maungakawa Pa and the 'Bucklands Run' to the east, setting the stage for a rich agricultural history.

Hailing from Yorkshire, England, the Thornton family had roots deeply embedded in the textile industry. Daniel's father played a pivotal role in establishing a woollen mill in Russia, a venture that ultimately shaped the Thornton Mill. Daniel, having married Hannah Isherwood in 1846, found himself at the helm of a growing family. Tragedy struck with Hannah's passing in 1852, leading to Daniel's second marriage to his cousin Sophia Firth in 1856. The Thornton-Firth family, along with Josiah Firth and his kin, sought new horizons in New Zealand in 1856, where all nine of their children were born.

Their initial foray into corn milling laid the foundation for the formidable Thornton, Smith and Firth, evolving into the renowned Northern Roller Mills. The family's ties to Russia persisted, prompting a temporary return in 1874 to manage the woolen mill business after Daniel's brother John's demise. Despite intentions to return to New Zealand, circumstances led them to stay in Russia until 1880, when Daniel retired. Tragically, he passed away in 1881, leaving Sophia and the children to carry the family legacy forward.

Returning to New Zealand in 1882, Sophia and her children realized a dream by constructing an extraordinary two-storey mansion atop Maungakawa in 1890. A marvel crafted by Mr Julien of Auckland, the mansion boasted Russian wood interiors, a grand entrance hall, an expansive fireplace, and a winding staircase leading to luxurious bedrooms. The eclectic collection of furniture and botanical specimens from around the world added to the mansion's allure.

In 1892, the estate passed into the hands of William Thornton, Sophia's youngest son. His marriage to Hilda Worsp in 1896 marked a new chapter, but tragedy struck with the loss of their son, Daniel, in World War One.

Maungakawa, in the 1890s, became a cultural hub for the Maori, hosting gatherings presided over by King Tawhaio. The establishment of a printing press and the publication of the newspaper "Te Paki O Te Matariki" created a cultural legacy that echoed through the years. However, the Maori presence waned, possibly due to an epidemic that claimed many lives.

As time has passed, Maungakawa's expansive views remain, mirroring the awe Daniel Thornton felt over a century ago. The echo of a bellbird occasionally punctuates the serene landscape, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Thornton family in this breathtaking corner of New Zealand.