Step back into history with a 2-hour cultural tour at Rangiriri Paa, where you’ll walk through some of New Zealand’s most significant Māori battle sites and earthworks. Discover stories of resilience that shaped the Waikato region.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly walking on uneven ground with some gentle inclines.
Wildlife
History
Rangiriri was the site of one of the most intense battles during the Waikato Wars in the 1860s, shaping the region’s history and Māori resilience.
Conservation
The site is carefully managed to preserve its cultural significance and environmental integrity, with visitor guidelines designed to minimize impact.
Rangiriri Paa
Step back into history with a 2-hour cultural tour at Rangiriri Paa, where you’ll walk through some of New Zealand’s most significant Māori battle sites and earthworks. Discover stories of resilience that shaped the Waikato region.
Rangiriri Paa is a cultural and historical site located in Rangiriri, Waikato, featured on The Adventure Collective. The site offers guided experiences that interpret significant events from the 1860s, with a focus on the Waikato invasion and its impact on local communities. Rangiriri Paa provides place-based learning through site visits, storytelling and interactive activities that connect visitors with tangata whenua history.
Rangiriri Paa presents a range of programmes tailored to different audiences. He Toi Ora is a Professional Learning Development programme (4 hours) designed for educational leaders to engage with Mana Whenua narratives and support transformational learning approaches. The Spirit of Resilience is a 2-hour public tour exploring Māori earthwork fortifications, battle sites and the world's first Māori replica trenches. He Toi Tupu is an education tour created for students and teachers, using immersive activities to bring 1860s history into the classroom and on-site learning.
Tours visit significant historical locations including Rangiriri Paa and interpret the construction and role of earthwork fortifications during the Waikato conflicts. Rangiriri Paa works with local knowledge holders to present narratives respectfully and in context. Information on booking, group suitability and specific learning outcomes is available through the site's booking channels. Rangiriri Paa offers factual, site-based interpretation that supports classroom learning, professional development and public understanding of New Zealand's Māori history.
Location
Rangiriri, Waikato
Historic site in the Waikato region
Typical Durations
2–4 hours
Tours range from 2 to 4 hours
Audience
Public & Education
Suitable for schools and visitors
Unique Feature
Replica trenches
World's first Māori replica trenches
Reserve a public tour or education programme to explore Waikato history through expert-guided interpretation. Enquire about group bookings and professional learning sessions.
Wear sturdy, enclosed footwear
Uneven ground and replica trenches require solid shoes—avoid sandals or slip-ons.
Prepare for outdoor elements
Dress in layers and bring sun protection; weather in Waikato can change quickly.
Respect site guidelines
Photography restrictions apply to protect cultural sites; follow guide instructions closely.
Book in advance
Tour groups are capped for safety and quality experience; secure your spot early.
Sturdy walking shoes
Necessary for navigating historic earthwork trenches and uneven terrain safely.
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor walking segments throughout most of the year.
spring|summer|fall
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the 2-hour outdoor cultural experience.
Light rain jacket
Useful for sudden showers and cooler exposure during off-peak seasons.
spring|fall|winter