Beaches & Coastal Walking Trails
Mapoutahi Track
Doctors Point
Te Wera, the Chief of the Kai Tahu, had a Pā at Huriawa. After an unsuccessful siege of Huriawa by his feuding uncle, Taoka, from Pukekura (Taiaroa Head), an ally of Te Wera's, Te Pakihaukea, shifted to Purakanui and relocated Mapoutahi Pā.
When Taoka arrived in mid-winter to beseige Mapoutahi Pā he found the Pā well defended and impenetrable. However, on one particularly wild night Te Pakihaukea's guards put dummies in their places so they could retreat to the warmth of a fire. Taoka discovered the ploy and the Pā was stormed and most of the inhabitants massacred.
The Pā fell into disuse, and today many of the terraces can still be seen, although the edges have become less distinct through time.
When Taoka arrived in mid-winter to beseige Mapoutahi Pā he found the Pā well defended and impenetrable. However, on one particularly wild night Te Pakihaukea's guards put dummies in their places so they could retreat to the warmth of a fire. Taoka discovered the ploy and the Pā was stormed and most of the inhabitants massacred.
The Pā fell into disuse, and today many of the terraces can still be seen, although the edges have become less distinct through time.
231 Doctors Point Road, Waitati 9085
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Access from either Doctors Point or Osborne Road in Purakaunui Bay - absolutely stunning.