Image: Ellen Fitzsimons | Creative Commons
Otatara Pā.
Otatara Pā Historic Reserve Walk

Located in Napier area and Otatara Pa Historic Reserve in the Hawke’s Bay region

This short, easy walk through Otatara Pā has archaeological features from one of the largest and most ancient Māori pā sites, as well as commanding views of the coastline - it's a good option for kids.

The track starts at the Springfield Road car park where visitors pass under the carved waharoa (gateway) to enter the pā. As the track heads uphill, you will pass restoration work including palisades and pouwhenua, and archaeological features such as tūāpapa, whare and rua kūmara.

Enjoy the expansive views and reflect on why the site was chosen for its strategic position. Take time to read the story of Ōtātara Pā, depicted by the Turauwha Pou – part of the Te Ara o Nga Tipuna (Pathways of our Ancestors) project.

Continue downhill to Churchill Drive. From here you can exit the reserve or return on the same track to the Springfield Road car park.

Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve stands beside the Tūtaekuri River at the southern boundary of Taradale. You reach it from Springfield Road, just south of the Eastern Institute of Technology, between Napier and Hastings. The pā entrance is immediately on the right.

Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve is one of the largest and most ancient Māori pā sites in Hawke’s Bay. Today the reserve encompasses one of the most outstanding defensive and settlement complexes in New Zealand.

Please respect these sacred sites

Sites of battles, deaths or burials are considered wāhi tapu (sacred) by Māori. Feel free to wander and look but treat the pā areas with respect. All archaeological and physical features of the pā are protected by law.

Respect our cultural heritage: do not consume food on the pā, and keep to the track. Above all, remember “Toitū te whenua” – leave the land undisturbed.