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Ruapekapeka
Ruapekapeka — "the bat's nest" — is the best preserved and most impressive fighting pā of the Northern war. Built by Te Ruki Kawiti, it housed several hundred Māori fighters that held the pā under British artillery fire for over a week before the palisades were partialyl breached on 10 January 1846. Although Colonel Henry Despard immediately ordered an attack, he was overruled by Governor George Grey, possibly averting a repeat of the British disaster at Ōhaeawai. The following morning, 11 January 1846, the pā was found to be deserted. Government forces quickly stormed the pā, only to find Kawiti and some of his men near the rear, who escaped into the bush after heavy fighting. The British claimed victory, but without inflicting the clear victory they desired.
Ruapekaka has been developed into an historical walkway with information panels to guide visitors around the site.
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