Story: Waikato region

Roadside Stories: Ōrākau, famed battle site

Ōrākau, near Kihikihi, was the site of a Māori fighting (fortification) which was attacked by British troops in a decisive 1864 battle. Although the defenders, led by Rewi Maniapoto, lost the battle, they are remembered for their courage and their refusal to surrender.

Listen to a Roadside Story about Ōrākau. Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.

Taonga puoro courtesy of Richard Nunns

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YouTube: Manatu Taonga's channel

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Waikato region - Pākehā impact', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/35258/roadside-stories-orakau-famed-battle-site (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, updated 1 Jul 2015