This is the place

Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve encompasses a the headland at the western end of Coopers Beach.

Taumarumaru is said to have been built by Ngati Awa people; Otanenui by Tukiato the son of Moehuri, who was chieftain of the Ruakaramea Canoe and ancestor of Ngatikahu; and Ohumumu by two grandsons of Moehuri, Korewha and Puneka. Large villages were located in the area owing to plentiful seafoods and agricultural produce.

Several ships were wrecked off the coast in the 19th century, with the sailors being rescued by local people. Following these rescues, intermarriage took place between the foreign sailors and local Maori.

The reserve is the site of three pa (Maori villages) and nine unfortified sites, including terraces, pits, midden (Maori cooking place). Two of the pa, Otanenui and Ohumumu (Te Homumu) are on promontories overlooking Doubtless Bay, and Taumarumaru covers a ridge line behind.

The pa are of high significance to Ngatikahu as they are associated with important ancestors of the iwi.

From the Register of Actively Managed Historic Places, Northland Conservancy, Department of Conservation, October 1997.