Orakau Battle Site

The battle at Orakau Pa in 1864 marked the end of the Waikato Wars.

Rewi Maniapoto’s “last stand” against the invading British troops is one of the best-known incidents in New Zealand’s history. Three Hundred Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Raukawa and Tuhoe resisted 1400 imperial troops, holding out for three days against great odds, Rewi spurned pleas he surrender.

A roadside memorial and plaque (1914) stand close to the scant remains of Rewi’s hastily constructed earthworks. It can be found on Arapuni Road, 4 km south-east of Kihikihi, south of Te Awamutu on State Highway 3. Constructed in 1911 by the government, the memorial is a piece of history itself, reflecting the contested narrative of the Wars. Much debate and discussion went into the wording on the memorial, the Pakeha wanting to celebrate 50 years of peace, but also a 'glorious battle' and Waikato Iwi looking for acknowledgement of Rewi as commander-in-chief of the Maori side.

Pioneer of New Zealand Cinema, Rudall Hayward made two fictional films based on the battle of Orakau, both titled 'Rewi's Last Stand' (1925, 1940). The 1940 film was filmed on the original location and features many of the decedents of the Maniapoto defenders.

You can watch ‘Rewi's Last Stand’ and find out more about the history of the Waikato Wars at the nearby Te Awamutu museum. The museum is free, and open Mon-Friday 10-4pm and Sat 10-2pm.

More recently Vincent O'Malley has produced a monumental history "The Great War for New Zealand: Waikato 1800-2000".

In 2019, Te Ara Wai Journeys released a free history tour app for visitors to explore to Waipa area and its history. Download the app to enhance your visit to Orakau.