Otatara Pa
| SITE TO VISIT
|
| Otatara
|
| Hikurangi (applied to the lower pa, Otatara more properly to the upper one)
|
|
|
| Ethnicity:
|
Maori
|
| Site type:
|
Pa
|
| Where:
|
In a reserve southwest of Taradale. There is a signposted carpark off Springfield Rd
|
| How to get there:
|
Napier Buses
|
| How Long to allow:
|
2 hrs walking over the site. Reasonable fitness needed
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| Disclaimer
|
Location:
Loading map...
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What:
Prehistoric Maori fortification reputedly the largest in New Zealand. There are clear defences, much terracing and kumara storage pits. There is some on-site interpretation, and a representation of former palisading built on a quarry damaged part of the site. Some of the site is beyond the reserve and this area should not be visited without permission.
What else to do there:
Great views over the plain to Napier, Hastings and beyond to Hawkes Bay. Museum in Napier. Wineries in the district.
Web Info:
DOC Page
DOC Place to visit page
DOC history of the site page
City of Napier page about the site
Historical Significance Assessment (pdf)
Published Information:
K. Jones and A.Walton. An interpretation of the settlement and defences of the Otatara-Hikurangi pa complex, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Archaeology, 27 (2006): 63-93.
