This is the place

Ruapekeka Pa is the site of the final battle of "the War of the North".  It was chief Te Ruki Kawiti's finest and strongest fighting pa.  With months of preparation behind him throughout 1845, Kawiti - well known chief Hone Heke's uncle - had built a very strong defensive position by December of that year.  A formidable attack force arrived in  the form of more than 1000 British troops, over 400 allied Nga Puhi and a range of heavy arms.  In retaliation the 4-500 Maori within Ruapekapeka fought back bravely and for some days there was minimal impact, due to the many underground bunkers and connecting tunnels within the pa.   But on 10 January the attacking force leader, Colonel Despard, ordered a mass bombardment and breached the pa wall in two places.  The defenders eventually withdrew into the surrounding bush, leaving Government troops with a deserted site while Kawiti and Heke remained at large.  Peace was made with Nga Puhi some time later

Today the pa is a peaceful site, removed far enough from SH1 to be away from modern-day noise but close enough for ready inspection.  Visitors can learn more about its construction and history from an interpreted walk around its interesting fortifications.  Not be missed!