Otarara Pa, Napier Overview

Rich in historical and cultural significance, the breathtaking Otatara Pa, perched on a commanding elevated site to the south of the tranquil Taradale, receives visitors all year round. Offering excellent views of the surrounding areas, including Napier, the glorious Cape Kidnappers, and, on a clear day, even Mount Ruapehu, Otatara Pa is one of the most prized destinations in New Zealand, and rightly so.

This revered Pa (Maori Settlement) is one of the most ancient sites formerly inhabited by the Maori in Hawke’s Bay and is home to an Upper Pa, known as Hikurangi, and a lower pa, which is referred to as Otatara. Even though Otatara Pa is devoid of any residents at present, tourists throng this place to take a look at what remains of the dwelling sites, the terraces, the strategically built food storage pits, and the clusters of architectural remnants, which gives them a deeper insight into the living communities that Otatara Pa used to be in the previous years. This beautiful site is also of great archaeological importance because it has retained its cultural heritage over several centuries.

Activities

Otatara Pa is a slice of paradise for history enthusiasts and those who are interested in archaeology. A visit to this place shall inevitably take you back in time to the period when the Maori tribes used to reside here. With lush greenery and fresh air, this site is ideal for those who seek refuge in the midst of nature. This site has special arrangements made for the Otatara Pa Historic Reserve Walk, which helps you explore the marvelous archaeological motifs present here. In addition to this, you also get to witness the commanding view of the roaring sea, as well as the breathtaking areas encompassing this area. There are trails present which are suitable for walking, hiking, tramping, and mountain biking, and they differ in keeping with the experience and skills of people.

How To Reach Otarara Pa

Lying at a distance of seventy-seven kilometers from Hawke’s Bay, it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to get to Otatara Pa by car via Thermal Explorer Highway.

From Auckland, Otatara Pa lies at a distance of about four hundred and twenty kilometers, and it takes approximately five hours to get there by car via State Highway 1. Buses are also available from Auckland Central..

Hastings lies at a distance of thirteen kilometers from Otatara Pa, and it hardly takes fifteen minutes to get there by car via State Highway 50A. Buses leave from Heretaunga Street West in Hastings, which can take you to Otatara Pa within a half hour.