Otatara Pa Historic Reserve
Introduction
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve
Otatara Pa is one of the largest and most ancient Maori pa sites in the Hawke's Bay. It is significant for its immense size and for the large number of terraced dwelling sites and food pits. Remnant earthworks of many of these are still evident today.
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve is a site of significance to iwi throughout New Zealand as the place from which Ngati Kahungunu spread through and beyond Hawke's Bay. It is a popular recreation site, providing a good workout for walkers and runners and stunning views of the district.
The reserve is also well-known to educationalists, students of history and archaeology and visitors keen to learn about one of the cultural highlights of the Hawke's Bay.
Location
Otatara Pa is situated close to Taradale and is signposted clearly. Look out for the palisades on the hill above the Eastern Institute of Technology.
Activities
Historic sites
Plan and prepare
Guides and commercial tourism providers