Ruapekapeka, scene of fighting between the British and Kawiti in the summer of 1845-46

The pā lies on a broad ridge and consists of a perimeter of closely spaced rifle pits, with many pits within the defended area. The perimeter originally had a substantial stockade in places and a solid screen of tree trunks designed to resist shelling or solid cannon balls. The screen or stockade was immediately outside the distinctive line of rectangular pits forming the perimeter. Note the use of a distinct bastion to the south (bottom of the photograph) and the flanking gun pits at the north-west and north-east corners. The well (fenced for safety) is at bottom left immediately outside the main perimeter. The pā occupies an area of about 110 by 80 m. In the event, most of Kawiti's force had left the pā during the shelling, and had occupied the slopes to the south (in the foreground in this view). When the pā was assaulted by British troops on foot, they found little resistance until they attempted to go beyond the southern perimeter towards the forest edge. The view is to the north.