Waiari Battle Site and Soldier's Graveyard

On 11 February 1864 soldiers bathing in the river here, part of General Cameron's invasion force, were surprised by some 100 Maori warriors hidden in the old pa. Reinforcements joined the battle and fierce fighting took place. It was in this action that Charles Heaphy became the first member of any locally raised or colonial military unit in the British Empire to be awarded the Victoria Cross. The battle site is on private land. The grave site, beneath an Oak tree is clearly visible from the road