Ruapeka Pā was the most formidable and sophisticated ever constructed. Photo: Abigail Monteith

10 of the best pā sites in New Zealand

Waypoints

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Marios Gavalas

Marios is an adventure guide and author of 18 walking and tramping books.

By Marios Gavalas

These spectacularly-located pā provide magnificent views and provide an interesting link to the past.

The anatomy of a pā is similar wherever you go. Sites were chosen atop hills or on headlands, the obvious advantage being an early sighting of approaching foes allowed time to prepare for combat. This selection of the most spectacularly-located and best-preserved sites not only gives the walker magnificent views but also a human dimension […]

About the author

Marios Gavalas

Marios Gavalas works as an adventure guide, showing off Aotearoa’s wild places to international visitors. He is the author of 18 walking and tramping guide books and has been a Wilderness contributor for over 10 years. He is happy on his mountain bike or skis and can often be found in his garden communing with gnomes.