Historic Meremere Redoubt
The Waikato Campaign
The Waikato Campaign of 1863-64 was one of the major campaigns of the New Zealand Wars. Over 12,000 British and Colonial troops invaded the Waikato, where King Tāwhiao and his supporters were centred.
Meremere Redoubt
The redoubt was one of 22 earthwork forts built between Auckland and Pirongia, a distance of 110km. Initially a Maori stronghold, it was occupied by Colonial forces during the campaign when the Maori forces abandoned it overnight to regroup at Rangiriri.
Meremere Redoubt from the air
Many physical features of the sites associated with the Waikato Campaign have been damaged and lost over time. However Meremere redoubt has been well preserved, and is an outstanding example of its type, in an easily accessible location.
The site has commanding views of the surrounding area and the Waikato River. It is also possible to catch a glimpse of the Whangamarino Redoubt from where Colonial forces fired upon the original Maori position. DOC maintains the site to stabilise the defensive earthworks (ditches and banks) and allow visitors to easily see them.
Getting there
The site is in Meremere Village, between Hamilton and Auckland, a short detour off State Highway 1.
Further reading
For more historical and access information on sites from the Waikato Campaign download a copy of The Waikato War of 1863-64: a guide to the main events and sites.