[Find attractions which contain "earthworks" in their name or description.]
|
Preeces Rd (off SH1)
In 1898 a striking monument was erected on the surviving earthworks of one of the greatest Ngai Tahu pa, a centre of trade in greenstone brought over from the West Coast. The pa was sacked by the North Island chief Te Rauparaha in 1831 and is the most important site in the dramatic conflict between Ngai Tahu and Ngati Toa which dominated South Island history in the 1820s and 1830s.
The pa was surrounded on three sides by deep swamp giving canoe access to a lagoon on the river. (Now called the Ashley but to Maoris the Rakahuri.)
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Onawe Peninsula
Fortified by Akaroa Harbour Ngai Tahu at the time of the Ngati Toa incursions, the Onawe Peninsula fell to Te Rauparaha, probably early in 1832. On the historic reserve the remains of some of the earthworks of the 1830s can still be made out. Access is restricted by the sea so watch out for the advancing tide. Respect the significance of this place by eating your lunch in the carpark.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Highway 47, 26 km southwest of Turangi
Te Porere contains the earthworks of a Maori fortification built by the prophet and warrior Te Kooti and is the site of the last major engagement of the New Zealand Wars in October 1869. The site is just beyond the northern boundary of Tongariro National Park. It is both a Maori and a historic reserve and has been administered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust since 1959. Look out for the sign on State Highway 47; it is easy to miss. It is an uphill walk from the car park but the view alone is worth it. Forty-five-minutes, return.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State Highway 1, Rangiriri
One of the crucial battles of the Waikato campaign was fought at Rangiriri Pa on 20 November 1863. The Maori's threw up a defensive line across a narrow strip between the Waikato river and Lake Waikare. After the Rangiriri battle Te Whero's Redoubt was built on Maori earthworks nearby to house the British garrison. In the township the Heritage Centre has a small museum and a video worth seeing which gives both sides of the story. There is a small admission charge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The battle site is on the roadside just east of Kihikihi
The battle at Orakau in 1864 marked the end of the Waikato Wars. Rewi Maniapoto’s “last stand” against the invading British troops is one of the best-known incidents in New Zealand’s history. Holding out for three days against great odds, Rewi spurned pleas he surrender. A roadside memorial and plaque stand close to the scant remains of Rewi’s hastily constructed earthworks.
"Rewi's Last Stand" was a film produced by Rudall Hayward initially in a silent version (1925) and then with sound (1940).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matakitaki Pa is a short distance down the Waipa River from Pirongia
A battle in 1822 when Nga Puhi armed with muskets overwhelmed the traditionally armed Waikato iwi is considered one of the key events in New Zealand’s military history. A plaque tells the story of the battle and remaining earthworks can be still be seen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tauranga
Gate Pa was the scene of a devastating British defeat by the Maori in 1864. Subsequently at Te Ranga, on what is now the Tauranga to Rotorua highway, the British avenged their loss. Both battle sites are now reserves and some surviving earthworks can be seen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taumutu Road
Taumutu is one of the places at which Canterbury’s Maori past can be discovered. Lake Ellesmere (te Waihora) was an important source of food for the Maori of the region. The marae called Ngati Moki and the historic Hone Wetere Church (18XX) both stand on the sites of ancient pa, some of the earthworks of which are still visible. The historic Taiaroa homestead, Awhitu House, was burnt to the ground in April 2003.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redoubt Road
Within the earthworks of this redoubt, dating from 1869, is a magazine of pumice blocks. A garrison of mounted police were stationed here until Te Kooti was defeated. The Hall (1881) nearby was opened as a theatre, and converted to a courthouse in 1887. It is now a Kohanga Reo (language nest).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oram Road.
After the first fighting of the Waikato campaign in July 1863, the British advanced. They then built the Whangamarino Redoubt to command the south end of the ridge. It was used to bombard at long range with 4.75 inch Armstrong guns the strong Maori position at Meremere. Nearby are the older earthworks of the Te TeoTeo pa.
The walkway, a 3km loop, starts at a rest area on Orams Road on the south side of the Whangaramarino River. The walk follows railway track and enters bush before reaching a bluff giving views of the Waikato River. You can see the old TeTeoTeo Pa. The track passes the redoubt. Join a metalled road and cross the river to get back to the rest area via the flood-control gates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Murupara
Colonial fortifications of the New Zealand Wars. Earthworks of these and house site. Interpretation by DOC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ohaupo Road
Earthworks remain here. (the trig is inside them) of a redoubt built in April 1864 by the 40th Regiment. It was later occupied by the Waikato Militia. Artifacts from a rubbish pit uncovered here are now in the Te Awamutu Museum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kaiapoi Pa & the Kaiapohia Monument
Te Porere - The Last Major Fixed Battle
