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Story: Ngāi Tahu

The view from Ngā Niho pā

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The view from Ngā Niho pā

Ngā Niho on the Kaikōura Peninsula is thought to have been built during the 1820s when the people of Ngāti Toa, under the leadership of Te Rauparaha, waged war against Ngāi Tahu. It is strongly defended, with high earth walls, and appears to have been constructed to withstand musket fire. From the , enemy canoes could be seen approaching along the coast.

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by Leanne Tamaki

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How to cite this page

Te Maire Tau, Ngāi Tahu – Wars with Ngāti Toa, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4265/the-view-from-nga-niho-pa (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Te Maire Tau, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 March 2017.