John Wallis Barnicoat (June 1814 – 2 February 1905) was an English civil engineer and surveyor who emigrated to New Zealand.

The Lord Auckland left from the West India Docks in London on 25 September 1841 and they arrived in Nelson on 23 February 1842.

He worked alongside fellow civil engineer Thomas John Thompson with whom he had shared a cabin on the Lord Auckland.

[2][3] Barnicoat was present at the Wairau Affray and escaped without injury together with fellow surveyor Frederick Tuckett.

[8] On 23 December 1861, Barnicoat unsuccessfully contested the position of Superintendent of Nelson Province against the incumbent, John Perry Robinson.