Te Koru Historic Reserve

Te Koru Historic Reserve Review

To get a sense of the turbulent history in Taranaki, drive through the countryside inland from Oakura to Te Koru Historic Reserve. A Department of Conservation track leads ½ km (about ¼ mi) to the site of the pa (fortified village), a former stronghold of the Nga Mahanga a Tairi hapu (subtribe). Regenerating native forest has covered part of the site, but still visible are the main defensive ditch and stonewall terraces that drop a considerable way from the highest part of the pa to the Oakura River. No facilities are at the reserve. Take Highway 45 southwest out of New Plymouth to the beach suburb of Oakura, 17 km (10 mi) away. Just past Oakura turn left onto Wairau Road and follow the signs to the parking lot, which is 3.7 km (2½ mi) from the turnoff.