Otatara Pa, Napier

Otatara Pa, Napier

Located on and around an imposing hill on the banks of the Tūtaekuri River south of Taradale, Otatara Pa is one of New Zealand's most important Maori archeological sites.

Located on and around an imposing hill on the banks of the Tūtaekuri River south of Taradale, Otatara Pa is one of New Zealand's most important Maori archeological sites. Occupied by the Maori from circa 1400 to 1820, the 33 hectare site of Ōtātara Pā sprawls on the lower portion of the hill, while the Hikurangi pa site lies higher on the ridge. The strategic location of the defensive settlement offers sweeping views of the entire area, from Napier to Cape Kidnappers, and all the way out to Ruapehu in North Island across the sea. The area has various Maori sacred sites (wāhi tapu) where battles, deaths or burials have taken place, so visitors are expected to be respectful. You can see remains of house terraces and food pits, installations such as palisades and pouwhenua, and archaeological features such as tūāpapa, whare and rua kūmara.