Ruapekapeka pa (the Bat's Nest)is a very well preserved Maori Pa used in the New Zealand Wars. It's about 40 minutes drive north from home and we visited on a sunny day recently. There is a carved entranceway on the path that leads from the car park. Malcolm is heading to a flat area which looks up to the Pa in one direction and across to the position the British took if you look the other way.
Beyond the grassy area the path took us up through native bush, mainly ancient puriri to the entrance of the Pa, atop the hill. There was another carved gateway here.
This pou sits at the summit of the hill.
The earthworks dug by Maori are till visible. Their system of tunnels and trenches were studied by the British and the concept used in WW1. The cannon was originally from a ship.
Our next stop was just up the road in Kawakawa. Previously famous for the train that runs along its main street and public toilets designed by Hundertwasser, Kawakawa now boasts a Hundertwasser inspired hub. The building has a library, Hundertwasser gallery and interpretation centre. There's parking for motorhomes and showers and toilets available (all beautifully mosaic-ed).
Entrance pillars
Some of the info inside.
Central pillar with staircase to the gallery.
At the railway station...
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