Plan your visit
Explore the many experiences on offer at Pukerangiora Pā. Learn what to expect on site, how to book a tour, and how to make the most of your visit.
Visit the Pā
Discover the rich history of Pukerangiora through the free interpretive trail on site. Explore a history that spans hundreds of years. Follow the interpretive trail to key locations – from the heart of the 1700s pā to the frontlines of battle during the Taranaki Wars in 1861. Pukerangiora Pā is free to access and open year-round for all to visit. The trail is an easy walk around the pā site, offering sweeping views from the cliff lookout and unique archaeological features. Visible remnants include ditches from the original pā, and the remains of earthen military fortifications during the Taranaki Wars.
Walking trails
Walk the whole loop for the full tour of the site, or, if you have a particular interest in different historic periods, there are two separate tracks available.
Pukerangiora Pā Loop
The Pukerangiora Pā Loop leads you into the heart of the pā, sharing information about how the pā once looked and functioned. Learn about how our tūpuna lived here from the 1700s, through to the eventual abandonment of the pā after successive sieges during the Musket Wars.
Taranaki Wars Walk
The Taranaki Wars Walk takes you through remnants of the First Taranaki War, where the final standoff between Māori and British forces took place. Stand at the site of Te Ārei, a defensive pā built to resist British onslaught, or visit the British Sap, a long trench built to advance on Māori fortifications.
Gallery
The Pukerangiora Pā Storymapp®
The Storymapp® is a bespoke illustrated map that reimagines what the pā once looked like. Take the Storymapp® on site to unlock a premium mobile tour featuring 360˚ historical recreations and never-before-seen interviews with members of Pukerangiora hapū. It’s a rich, self-guided experience that brings the past to life through local voices and immersive storytelling. Purchase a Storymapp® from the New Plymouth isite Visitor Information Centre, or get in touch with us at kiaora@pukerangiora.nz if you have any other questions.
Information for your visit
Getting Here
Pukerangiora Pā is located in a quiet rural area, just a 10 minute drive from Waitara, 7 minutes from Lepperton, and 20 minutes from New Plymouth. The site is easy to reach by car, with parking available at the Waitara Road entrance.
Get directions
Facilities
New interpretation and visitor features at Pukerangiora Pā provide an in-depth exploration of our history. Highlights include a storytelling tomokanga (entranceway), amphitheatre-style seating, and three lookout points across the site. The interpretive trail is a gentle walk approximately 15 minutes long, suitable for all fitness levels. The route to the main lookout is wheelchair accessible via the limestone gravel car park area and boardwalk pathways. Toilets are available on site. Please note that Pukerangiora Pā is a wāhi tapu (sacred site). Out of respect, we ask that visitors do not bring food onto the site.
Experiences for Educators
Bringing a school or educational group to Pukerangiora Pā? Our education kits can be adapted for any age and cover a range of subjects.
Education kits