Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

Site of a Pa where a large skirmish between Ngati Toa chief Te Rangihaeata and British troops took place in August 1846. Part of the ongoing war between Ngati Toa, Te Atiawa and settlers over land. After three days and nine reported losses to three, Te Rangihaeata (the nephew of Te Rauparaha) is reported to have slipped away from the Pa in the rain and the dark. A turning point in relations between Ngati Toa and the Crown.

Now, a large Regional Council managed farm park where visitors can camp, picnic, walk, ride horses and mountain bike. Plenty of on-site information about the battle and smart visitors with metal detectors sometimes find relics from the fateful day. A loop track around the park passes the battle site.

An account and painting of the battle can be found on NZ History link, and on the Regional Council Site.