Huriawa Pā

Suzanne Middleton, Wild Dunedin – Jan 31, 2024

Spectacular Huriawa Peninsula at Karitāne just south of Waikouaiti was the site of a historic fortified Māori pā. 

With the Waikouaiti River mouth on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this was a perfect defensive position. In the 18th century, chief Te Wera and his people withstood a six-month siege here. 

Huriawa information panel. Image by: Suzanne Middleton

The peninsula is owned by Māori and they manage the reserve in conjunction with the Dept of Conservation. This is a very special place for Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, the site of a lot of history and many stories. 

Tiakitaka. Image by: Suzanne Middleton

Facts about the carved archway at the entrance to the Pā

• The waharoa/entrance to the Pā is called Tiakitaka referring to its protective role, and the carving has themes of ki uta ki tai/the journey of water from the sky to the land and out to sea. 

• Kahukura/a rainbow god/ancestral figure is shown as a double rainbow, and as a koruru/carved mask at the apex.

• The creation of Tiakitaka was shared by wāhine/women and tāne/men.

• Women worked the stone representing Tāne Mahuta/god of forests and birds, and Takaroa/god of sea, lakes, rivers and the creatures living in them, at the base of the waharoa.

• Men carved the rainbow waharoa from tōtara.

Enter the reserve through the ornately carved archway and follow the paths around the peninsula for stunning views along the coast, down the cliffs and into the blowholes.  

The view to the north - Cornish Head/Ōhineamio. Image by: Suzanne Middleton

SUMMARY:
The walk takes about 45 minutes and it’s suitable for children, but be careful near the cliff edge. 

To get there: From SH1 take the Coast Rd turn off to Karitane, drive through the village and turn left onto Seaforth St, left onto Harris St, left onto Roneval St, left onto Sulisker St and follow it to the end.