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Waikato/Coromandel Region

Pekenga – Waikato/Moehau

Waikato, known for its rich, fertile farmland, was the scene of significant battles during the Land Wars of the mid nineteenth century.  It is here that early missionary activity encouraged the Maori to adopt Pakeha farming methods. Trade between the two groups initially flourished, but as Pakeha settler numbers increased, Maori became increasingly suspicious of their intentions.

The story of the Land Wars in the Waikato is closely related to the King movement, the belief that the Maori King posed a subversive challenge to Queen Victoria.

New Zealand history is abundant in the Coromandel Peninsula due to its gold mining, logging and gum digging past. The region has very little flat land and is covered in dense forest fringed with beautiful beaches.

When Captain Cook visited its waters in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury, the region was already well populated and traces of pre-European settlement can still be found. The Coromandel’s extensive kauri forests were exploited for logs from the early nineteenth until well into the twentieth century. Gold was also discovered here.

Many reminders and relics of early interaction between Maori and Pakeha, as well as the economic vibrancy Waikato and Coromandel experienced, can be seen in the buildings, museums and sites that still exist today.

Find out more about the history of the Waikato region:

Te Ara

Waikato Confederation

Wikipedia

The Waikato

 

Thames School of Mines

Thames School of Mines

The Thames School of Mines opened in 1885-86 to improve gold mining extraction rates on the Thames goldfield. After the decline of this goldfield, the school remained opened till 1954, its mineralogical museum remaining open to the public as it is today.

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Alexandra Redoubt

Alexandra Redoubt

The Alexandra Redoubt in Pirongia is a beautifully preserved landmark from the New Zealand Wars in the mid-19th century. The redoubt, with complete high earth walls and trenches, was built by the Armed Constabulary in the military settlement for protective purposes.

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Rangiriri Pa

Rangiriri Pa

Scene of one of the crucial battles of the Waiakto campaign in the New Zeland Wars, the grassed over ditches and banks of Rangiriri Pa give an impression of the formidable task the British undertook in attempting to drive Maori from their defences.

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Te Wheoro's Redoubt

Te Wheoro's Redoubt

After the Rangiriri battle, this redoubt was built on Maori earthworks nearby to house a British garrison.

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Whangamarino

Whangamarino Redoubt

Remains of earthworks built by the British army in 1863.

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"Must-do" checklist for the Waikato and Coromandel regions

These regions have much to offer visitors

Driving River Creek Railway and Potteries, Coromandel

Rapaura Watergardens, Thames

Waipa River Delta Cruises, Hamilton

Te Aroha Mineral Spa, Te Aroha

 

Waikato - Coromandel

Glovebox companion

North Island places to visit brochure cover

Our North Island Properties to Visit brochure is a handy travel companion for your car's glovebox or your bag.

Available from NZHPT offices, properties and other locations or contact us on (04) 472 4341 to have a copy posted to you. 

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NZHPT Branch Committees

Branch committees of the NZHPT play an important part in the organisation's work, assisting with promoting, educating and advocating for heritage.  They provide opportunities for participation in heritage-related activities within their region - check our Events page for details or contact the Committee nearest you.

Hauraki Branch
tel: + 64 7 868 7218

Waikato Branch
tel: c/- + 64 7 578 1219

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