William Adams (21 March 1811 – 23 July 1884) was a 19th-century Member of Parliament from Marlborough, New Zealand and the first Superintendent of Marlborough Province.

Adams was born in Upton, Herefordshire, England, in 1811.

He came to New Zealand in 1850, and arrived in Nelson on the Eden.

[3][4] He is buried on his homestead Langley Dale on the north bank of the Wairau River.

[1] He was survived by his wife and four sons, including Acton Adams.