Historic Opapaka Pa

Opapaka Pa was a small defensive pa built and used by Ngati Hia in the late eighteenth century. The Ngati Hia people lived in the valley to the south and would withdraw to the safety of the pa in times of trouble.  

The steep slopes around the pa were a natural defence against raiding parties.  Ditches were dug across the access ridges and wooden palisades surrounded the interior living area.  Though diminished over time, it is not hard to imagine the impressive fortifications that once stood here, and reflect on the battle that took place between Ngati Hia and Taane Tinorau. 

Standing in one of the large storage
pits on the pa site

The dry soil of the pa was also a good place to store kumara and tubers in winter.  The kumara pits were on the lower slopes and had timber and earth roofs.  They were outside the main defences and only lightly fortified.  

From the site there are fantastic views over the area, including other Maori fortifications, the mountain ranges of Rangitoto, and more distant Ruapehu.   

Informative panels along the track to the pa tell you about traditional uses of many of the plants seen along the way.  On the highest part of the ridge is the pa site where a panel outlines its history. 

Getting there

The site is located between Te Kuiti and Otorohanga off State Highway 3.  Take the Waitomo turnoff onto State Highway 37.  The track begins at the car park which is about 2 km before the Waitomo Caves.