Māori History Tour by Rangiriri Paa in Waikato
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including school groups; involves moderate walking on uneven terrain.
Overview
Step into one of New Zealand’s most significant Māori battle sites with Rangiriri Paa’s He Toi Tupu Education Tour. Walk historic earthwork trenches and absorb stories of resilience from local descendants.
He Toi Tupu - Education Tour
2 Hour Guided Tour • Culturally Significant Battle Site and Replica Trenches
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About This Adventure
Embark on the He Toi Tupu Education Tour, a unique journey through New Zealand's rich Māori history. Explore significant sites from the 1860s, including the world's first Māori replica earthwork trenches. Engage with powerful narratives of resilience and learn through immersive activities, making history come alive for students and teachers alike.
Exclusive for ECE, Primary, Intermediate & High School Only##
Duration
2 Hours
Minimum Number of 25 students for any group Booking
About
The He Toi Tupu Education Tour is tailored to pre-school, primary, intermediate and secondary schools. This experience will take schools on a journey through one of New Zealand’s most significant Maaori earthwork fortifications of the 1860s.
The Rangiriri invasion by military forces is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles during the crown invasion of Waikato. This tour aligns with Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories and Te Takanga o te Waa and provides opportunities for teachers to engage in alternative methods to deliver their Histories curriculum. Through this experience, teachers, leaders and aakonga will gain a better understanding of a historical event that has impacted and shaped our present-day lives of Waikato and the Kiingitanga.
Walk through the world’s first Maaori replica earthwork trenches built to scale. Journey into the 19th century and learn about the Maaori spirit of resilience that led to the survival of Waikato and their ally tribes. Be moved by the narratives told by descendants of the men, women, and children who committed the ultimate act of selflessness. We survived annihilation and live to tell the stories.
The Experience He Toi Tupu Education Tour includes visiting historic sites of significance including Te Maataarae ki Rangiriri (old paa site & military redoubt), the remnants of the original Rangiriri Paa earthworks and the world's first Maaori replica earthwork trenches built to its original scale. You will learn of the local narratives about the atrocities of the Waikato invasion and the stories behind the carved Pou (carved posts) and Tomokanga (carved entrances) carved by Kingitanga Master Carvers. Aakonga will learn and play the exhilarating trench warfare game Ika Ngohi (the first to be slain in battle).
Know Before You Go
- Dress for the weather as your tour is outdoors.
- Have a snack and stay hydrated prior to arrival.
- Restrictions regarding flash photography and video recordings.
- Be sunsmart, wear hats for sun protection and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable enclosed shoes. We advise against wearing jandals, sandals, slip-on and high heels.
- Merchandise is available for purchase, stocks are limited
- Some limitations for wheelchair accessibility in the trenches
Minimum Number of 25 students per Booking
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
The tour involves walking on uneven earthworks—avoid sandals or slip-ons for safety and comfort.
Dress for Outdoor Conditions
Prepare for variable weather by bringing layers and rain protection to stay comfortable on the open grounds.
Respect Cultural Protocols
Photography restrictions apply at some sites to honor cultural sensitivities—follow guide instructions carefully.
Bring Water and Snacks
Tours last about two hours; stay hydrated and energized, especially for school groups.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tui birds commonly heard in surrounding native bush.
- New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka), known for its energetic flight patterns.
History
Rangiriri was a major stronghold during the 1863 Waikato invasion, pivotal in the New Zealand Wars and shaped by local iwi narratives.
Conservation
Rangiriri Paa emphasizes preserving both cultural heritage and the natural environment, encouraging respectful visitor behavior and low-impact touring.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hamilton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes
Protect your feet and provide grip on earthworks and uneven ground.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Bring layers and rain protection to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Critical for sun protection on exposed sites during summer months.
summer specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated on the tour, especially important for group visits.