A Historic Landmark Honoring Courage at Gate Pa Historic Reserve
Gate Pa Historic Reserve in Tauranga is more than just a park—it’s a profound tribute to one of the most significant battles of the 1864 New Zealand Wars. Visitors appreciate the insightful plaques that tell the story of Maori bravery and compassion, highlighting figures like Henare Taetari and Heni Te Kiri Karamu. This reserve offers a peaceful, reflective space with beautiful pōhūtukawa trees framing the entrance and a wooded gully that solemnly marks where many fell. Its rich heritage and serene setting provide a meaningful experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
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Ellena Gartner
8 years agoQuite why this ancient battle site has the ignominious name of Gate Pa Domain on the maps, I don't know. Here lies the site of one of the greatest battle scenes of the 1864 New Zealand Wars and the defeat of supposedly superior British forces. It was the magificent acts of Maori such as Henare Taetari and Heni Te Kiri Karamu who provided safe provision for she passage of British wounded, women and children cared for wounded British troops, obeying the Scriptural injunction 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him.' Beautiful po line the entrance and plaques tell the battle story. The wooded gully at the rear is where unnamed wounded Maori fell and were buried. Lest we forget.
David Hirst
2 years agoReally nice little park and a great insight into the history of the NZ wars. Worth while stopping by.
pink love
4 months agoBeautiful!! Google the history of Gate Pa Historic Reserve. It's so interesting
ShannyJ
a year agoUsed to live opposite there on Church st in the 90s, the house was haunted. Used to be called Gate Pa domain at the time. Were a couple of times apparitions were seen there at night. Could be quite eerie there at times.
Jonatan Almanza V.
5 years agoHistoric place where a war took place in which hundreds of natives perish due to the colonization of the place. Historical marks with the history are located around to tell the story about it, Carved totems surround the park and 2 carved-death trees are beautiful staying, telling the history of the local people.