Te Ngutu O Te Manu

Nearby to the present day settlements of Okaiawa and Matapu, this peaceful camping area belies a violent past buried in the depths of the Taranaki Land wars. It's name, Te Ngutu o te Manu, literally means the "beak of the bird", possibly a geographical reference to it's location in relation to the volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki (Egmont). The former pa at this site was a Hauhau stronghold fortified by the famous chief, Titokowaru, in 1868. The Armed Constabulary attacked the pa. Colorful adventurer, Major Gustavus Von Tempsky and other casualties of the battle, are commemorated by a memorial here. An amazing hand-written first-hand account of the battle by John Henry Walker is held at the archives, and can be read at Te Papa Online Collections.
Nowadays the historic glade is open for free camping, as well as picnicing, and bush walking.

Von Tempsky signed Print by Lester Hall