Was it truly impregnable? That’s what the Rangitāne people thought about Karaka Point’s pā. We’re standing at Karaka Point a place of scenic beauty and significant history.
Karaka Point occupies a headland jutting into Totaranui. Totaranui is also known as Queen Charlotte Sound. This is between Waikawa and Whatamango Bays.
Centuries ago Ngāti Mamoe built a substantial pā here. They were part of Waitaha. Later they were subsumed into Ngāi Tahu. Succeeding tribes took ownership peacefully and otherwise.
North Island iwi gained gun power. They began movements and raids south. Te Ātiawa swept into Totaranui in 1829-30. They attacked the resident tribes. These tribes had never faced guns before.
News spread of disastrous attacks in East Bay and Endeavour Inlet. Lucky escapees brought the warnings. Rangitāne and some Ngāti Apa allies retreated to Karaka Point’s pā. They believed it was impregnable.
William John Elvy was a researcher. He wrote about the region’s history. He described the action as told to him by Tuiti Makitānara.
The invaders approached. The stockade was manned. Warriors on fighting towers prepared to hurl spears and stones. The attackers singled out the principal chiefs by name. Insultingly they called out that they would cook and eat them. The defenders replied in kind.
Some attackers landed. They took up positions in the manuka scrub on the landward side. Others drew near in their canoes. They started picking off defending chiefs and warriors with muskets.
Death from a distance caused panic. The defenders opened the gates on the landward neck. They tried to escape up the hill. Hidden assailants in the scrub joined the attack. The occupants of the pā were ambushed. They were totally annihilated.
For years the land on the deserted headland was farmed. Later it was gifted to the nation. The site became a Scenic and Historic Reserve in 1953. The Archaeological Society recorded the site. Its number is 516/198.
It is a beautiful site. It has regenerating bush and lovely views. But it deserves respect. Terrible events occurred here.
Rangitāne erected a carved pou. It represents Kupe’s battle with the giant wheke. Interpretive boards describe the visible landscape features. The once impregnable cliff-face now bears a safe fenced pathway. It leads from shore to lookout.
Remember this as you take in the stunning views from Karaka Point. This place carries the weight of history. It tells a story of conflict and resilience.