Horahora Kakahu Island

Shortly after leaving Kakapo Bay an AA marker points across to Horahora Kakahu Island where on 17th June 1840 the flag was hoisted and the South Island taken possession of following the obtaining of the signatures of the South Island Maoris to the Treaty of Waitangi. If the day is clear it is possible to see the white Historic Places Trust marker which was unveiled on 3rd October 1964. Admiral Washbourn, in command of two naval vessels, came across from Wellington and unveiled the marker and re-enacted the ceremony of 1840. It was a fine day and the ceremony went off well. The dark tree on the island is a macrocarpa and it stands on the exact spot where the flagstaff stood in 1840. At that time the island was a strongly fortified pa.