From pa site to pig farm to picnic ground. Learn more about the diverse past of this volcanic island.
The historic structures at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve contain elements from all periods of coastal defence in New Zealand.
Learn about the sites that served as New Zealand defences in the Hauraki Gulf: Fort Takapuna, North Head, Stony Batter on Waiheke Island, Motutapu Island, Rangitoto Island and Motuihe Island.
Mangere Mountain is one of the least modified of the big cone pa sites which once dominated the Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau skyline.
Motuihe Island has hosted tribal battles, people and animals under quarantine, prisoners of war, and dashing young naval officers. Visit the little island with the big history.
Considered a sacred place by local iwi, Motutapu Island was intensively settled and cultivated by Maori. In more recent times, the island served as a base during World War II.
Find out about the history of North Head Historic Reserve including recent work to restore parts of the site.
Less than 200 years ago the 8000 hectares of volcanic stonefields at Otuatua were intensively cultivated. Learn more about this important archaeological site in this section.
Stony Batter on Waiheke Island features gun sites and an extensive tunnel system that date back to World War II.
The value of conservation
New Zealand Historic Places Trust www.historic.org.nz
International Council on Monuments and Sites www.icomos.org
Ministry for Culture and Heritage www.mch.govt.nz
New Zealand Archaeological Association www.nzarchaeology.org
