Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana

Historical sites in Hauraki Gulf

Historic Fortifications and Memorials

This collection traces the historical landscape of the Hauraki Gulf and its surrounding regions, from pre-European Māori settlements to colonial-era defenses. It features traditional pā sites like the terraced slopes of Maungakiekie and the rare volcanic gardening remnants at the Matukuturua Stonefields. The list also includes 19th-century earthwork fortifications from the New Zealand Wars, such as the Miranda and Esk redoubts, alongside civic memorials that commemorate local service in the South African and World Wars.

Historic Fortifications and Memorials — Map

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A

One Tree Hill

Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill is a 182-metre volcanic peak and Tūpuna Maunga in Auckland, New Zealand.

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B

Savage Memorial

Takaparawhau / Bastion Point is a coastal piece of land in Ōrākei, Auckland, New Zealand, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour.

C

Nukuhau Pa

An archaeological site of a traditional Māori fortified settlement located near the coastline.

D

Koherurahi Pa

A coastal Māori fortification site situated along the Hauraki Gulf shoreline.

E

Pawhetau Pa

A Māori pā site located on a strategic headland overlooking the Firth of Thames.

F

Papawhitu Pā

Archaeological remains of a traditional Māori fortified settlement.

G

Parihakoakoa Pā

A historical Māori fortification site located on the northern coast of Great Barrier Island.

H

Whatapaka Pā

A coastal Māori pā site located on the shores of the Manukau Harbour.

I

Matukuturua Stonefields Historic Reserve

One of Auckland’s last remaining volcanic stonefield sites, preserving evidence of early Māori gardening, habitation, and fortification.

J

Esk Redoubt

A 19th-century earthwork redoubt built during the Waikato War as part of a defensive line between the Waikato and the Firth of Thames.

K

Te Hue Pā

Archaeological site of a Māori fortification located on Great Barrier Island.

L

Miranda Redoubt

A colonial-era earthwork fort constructed in 1863 to secure supply lines and monitor the Firth of Thames during the New Zealand Wars.

M

Pawhetau Pa

A Māori fortification and archaeological site located on the coastal edge of the Hauraki Gulf.

N

Opera Point

A coastal site featuring a pre-European Māori pā, situated near the entrance to the Whangapoua Harbour.

O

Urarima Pa

A coastal Māori fortification site located on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula.

P

Whatarua Pa

A historical Māori settlement and fortification site near the Firth of Thames.

Q

Thames war memorial

An obelisk memorial situated on a prominent hill overlooking Thames, commemorating local residents who served in the World Wars.

R

Miranda First World War memorial

A local monument dedicated to the residents of the Miranda district who served during the First World War.

S

Thames South African War memorial

A memorial dedicated to the local men who served in the South African War, also known as the Boer War, between 1899 and 1902.

T

Waitakaruru war memorial

A community monument honoring the local soldiers from the Waitakaruru district who served in the World Wars.

Other Lists

Hauraki Gulf's Unmissable Treasures Auckland's Natural Wonders Notable Places of Worship Campsites and Caravan Parks