Battle Hill is a regional park which runs a farm and has lots of walking, cycling and horse riding tracks.
The battle referred to was in 1846, one of the last in the area as Maori resisted european occupation. Our old friend Te Rangihaeata, the Maori leader of Ngati Toa, was resisting the colonial forces of Governer Grey who had kidnapped Te Raupararaha and imprisoned him on a warship. Some of the British casualties are buried near the farm.
The walk starts off by the stream through bush. We had a big storm on Thursday and you can see evidence that the stream was a raging torrent, flattening the surrounding vegetation.
Here we are on a bridge that crosses the stream.
Where the battle was is now clear of vegetation (apart from gorse) and it is difficult to imagine the scene on that long ago day. Here is an artist’s impression.
A large boulder at the top of the hill commemorates the event. It was quite breezy.
From here there is a good view looking down across the peaceful countryside to the Orongorongos in the background. There are plans to build a motorway up the valley. We do not approve.
Far better for it to be left so sheep can safely graze.
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