Introduction
Kia ora and good morning Welcome aboard this GreatSights journey to the Hobbiton Movie Set, including a buffet lunch at the Party Marquee.
Safety
It is with pleasure that we provide commentary direct to you as we share today’s journey. We hope you will relax and enjoy your day. Please feel free to ask the driver any questions you may have. Your comfort and safety are important so here are some tips as we begin the day. Please ensure your personal headphones are connected to your phone while listening to this commentary, so you don’t disturb others who may be listening to the driver’s commentary. For those with mobility concerns please enter and exit at the front of the coach where the driver attends the door offering assistance to those who require it. Your seat reclines for maximum comfort. While the coach is moving, please remain seated and if the coach is fitted for seatbelts by law these must be worn at all times. Failure to do so may result in a fine that is payable by you as the passenger. For your convenience there is a toilet on board. In the unlikely event of an accident, follow the instructions of your driver and remember exits are at the front, side door and rear doors, and emergency exit windows at the rear. For the comfort of others, we ask that you don’t eat messy food on board, smoke cigarettes or use electronic vapes as we have plenty of rest stops for that. Just pay attention to the time the driver gives you to return to the coach.
Spaghetti Junction
As we travel along the southern motorway, if you look around us you will see Auckland is built on an area of volcanic cones known as the Auckland volcanic field. The field's 53 volcanoes have produced a diverse array of maars or explosion craters, scoria cones, and lava flows. Each volcano has erupted just once however the eruption has lasted from weeks to several years. Although most Auckland volcanic cones have been given the term “mountains” such as Mount Eden, Mount Wellington and Mount Hobson, they are all low in altitude and have suffered considerable erosion both natural and manmade and are now scarcely more than low hills. As we cross over the Newmarket Viaduct and looking out to our left is the Waitemata harbour where we see the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, the youngest and most recent of Auckand volcanoes to appear, around 800 years ago. The eruption was observed by Māori who gave the new island the name Rangitoto which translated literally means “Blood Sky”; where Rangi is the Māori word for the sky and toto is the Māori word for blood.
Southern Motorway
As we continue down the southern motorway out of Auckland towards the Bombay Hills, we will soon see that the motorway passes through the areas of Papakura, Drury and Bombay. In the late 1850’s, these areas were small settlements that were relatively isolated from Auckland. In the early 1860’s, as Government troops pushed south out of Auckland to wage war with the Māori tribes of the Waikato in the period in New Zealand’s history known as the “Waikato Wars”, these settlements began to gain prominence as strategic military outposts. To understand the reasons behind the battles of the Waikato requires an overview of the European settlement of New Zealand. Organised settlement of New Zealand was slow, various ships visited the country including traders and the sealers and whalers who were hunting quarry in the southern shores of New Zealand and the outer-lying sub-Antarctic islands. Goods were traded with Māori in return for food, and in the case of settlers, land and protection. The Māori wanted what the Europeans had to offer in terms of goods and in particular, muskets. At this point in New Zealand’s history, European numbers were small so co-existence and trade was generally peaceful. The balance of early trading relationships relied on mutual respect—if either Māori or Europeans were mistreated, Māori might seek redress according to the principle of utu, while Europeans could choose to withdraw from trade. As long as reciprocity and trust were maintained, trade and relations remained largely peaceful. The increased pace of colonisation during the 19th century however, resulted in increasing conflict between the indigenous Māori and the New Zealand government. The basis for this conflict requires us to look back to 1840.
Southern Motorway Continued
Back in 1840, Māori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown signed an agreement called the Treaty of Waitangi, which laid the foundation for modern New Zealand. There are two versions of the Treaty: The English version says Māori gave up sovereignty to the British Crown. The Māori version, called Te Tiriti o Waitangi, says the Crown would govern, but Māori would keep full authority—tino rangatiratanga—over their people and treasures, or taonga. The Treaty promised: Partnership between Māori and the Crown, Participation in decision-making, And Protection of Māori rights and property. While the Treaty helped establish British rule, Māori leaders have always emphasised its importance. Today, the Treaty is recognised as a living document—central to New Zealand’s identity and guiding how we move forward together.
Southern Motorway Continued
The Crown reserved the exclusive right to purchase land that the Māori may wish to sell in the future, at prices agreed between the Māori and the Crown. The interpretation of the Treaty became the basis for all future conflict between Māori and the Crown. To the European arrivals from countries seemingly overpopulated and intensively farmed, the use that Māori made of the land could not readily be comprehended. As the European population grew, so did the pressure on the Crown to acquire Māori land which could then be sold to the new settlers. At the same time the issue of sovereignty became a source for Māori resentment. With land demand rising and Māori resistance growing, confrontation between Māori and the Crown became inevitable.
Southern Motorway Continued
In a bid to regain control over their rights and sovereignty, several iwi (tribes) of the Waikato and Taupo regions elected a “King” Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and formed the Māori King movement, or Māori Movement, who would protect their lands from sale and restore order. However, the colonial government viewed it as a direct challenge to British rule, and tensions escalated. The Government refused to acknowledge the Māori King or the movement and attitudes hardened on both sides. Eventually mutual suspicion and distrust culminated into war. Some of the most dramatic and strategic battles were those of the Waikato in the 1860’s. Most sites where the battles between the Māori and the Imperial forces over land and sovereignty took place are unmarked. As we progress through the Waikato, we will point out some of the battle sites and provide an overview of the events that occurred at each site.
Ōtāhuhu
Ōtāhuhu, the area which we are now passing through is on the narrowest part of the Auckland isthmus which separates the Waitemata Harbour on the east coast and the Tasman Sea on the west coast. In the middle of the 14th century, the first Māori that sailed from Polynesia in the ancestral canoes or waka to settle in Aotearoa, entered the Waitemata Harbour. The first waka to reach the isthmus was the Tainui canoe which anchored at Ōtāhuhu while its captain, the great Māori Chief Taikehu, carried out reconnaissance from a nearby hilltop. Chief Taikehu saw the waters of the Manukau Harbour and a decision was made to drag the canoe overland to the Manukau Harbour to explore the west coast. In later years, canoes were frequently taken across the very same portage route here at Ōtāhuhu. The transporting boats and small vessels over this portage route between harbours was still a method being used by early Europeans less than 100 years ago. Today the old portage track is known as Portage Road and at less than 800 metres or ½ a mile in length, is believed to be the shortest road between two seas anywhere in the world. As you heard earlier in this story, the first Māori arrived in New Zealand as part of a fleet of ancestral canoes. The following Māori legend is how New Zealand was discovered and how the Māori came to settle here.
Ōtāhuhu Continued
According to Māori mythology, Aotearoa was first discovered by Māui, a legendary figure who was half-god, half-man. Māui used a magical fishhook made from his grandmother’s jawbone and caught a giant fish that became the North Island of New Zealand and was called by the ancient Māori, Te ika a Māui, the fish of Māui. The South Island was known as Te waka a Māui, “the canoe of Māui” and is regarded as the canoe in which Māui was sitting when he caught the great fish that became the North Island. Stewart Island, below the South Island, was known as Te punga a Māui, the anchor of Māui. Stewart Island was the anchor that held the canoe as Māui hauled in the great fish, the North Island. While Māui discovered the land, it was Kupe—a great Polynesian navigator—who is credited with its first exploration. Kupe left Hawaiki, escaping revenge, and was led by a giant octopus into unknown waters. He arrived in Aotearoa and named it “the land of the long white cloud.” Kupe returned to Hawaiki and shared news of the new land, leading to further voyages. Around 1350, seven great waka (canoes) arrived from Hawaiki. These were Tainui, Te Arawa, Mātaatua, Kurahaupō, Aotea, Tokomaru and Tākitimu—each forming the foundation of many Māori iwi (tribes) across New Zealand.
Manukau
We are now travelling through Manukau. Manukau is the heart of Auckland’s south, a vibrant cosmopolitan centre and home to the largest Polynesian community in the world. This region in Auckland’s south is framed by magnificent coastline and dotted with beautiful parks and heritage sites. Translated literally, Manukau means “place of the wading birds” where “manu” means birds and “kau” means wading. It refers to the many wading birds that once gathered along the shores of the nearby Manukau Harbour, which is currently out of view to our west. Manukau Harbour is one of New Zealand’s largest, covering around 388 square kilometres with over 386 kilometres of shoreline. Despite its size, it’s relatively shallow, making it ideal for wading birds and a rich source of kai moana, seafood, for Māori communities. But the harbour’s entrance is notoriously dangerous. The narrow mouth between the Manukau Heads, combined with strong tides, shifting sandbars, and unpredictable waves, creates a turbulent zone locals call “the washing machine.” Waves can come from four directions at once driven by wind, tide, ocean swells, and rebounding off cliffs and sandbanks. It’s easy to see why this harbour was never chosen as Auckland’s main port. In fact, early planners originally considered placing Auckland’s city centre at Cornwallis, on the northern side of the harbour. But after multiple shipwrecks, they shifted the city’s focus to the safer Waitematā Harbour. Manukau Harbour is also the site of New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster. On 7 February 1863, the Royal Navy ship HMS Orpheus ran aground on a sandbank while carrying troops for the New Zealand Land Wars. Of the 259 people on board, 189 lost their lives. Long before European arrival, the harbour was a vital waterway for Māori. It connected villages and pā (fortified settlements), and provided access to the Waikato River, the Pacific Ocean, and other inland routes via ancient portages. The harbour was abundant with snapper, flounder, mullet, scallops, cockles, and pipi—essential food sources for local iwi.
Papakura
As we mentioned earlier, travelling towards the Bombay Hills, we will pass through the areas of Papakura, Drury and Bombay which were influential settlements during the Waikato Land Wars of the 1860’s. The first of these settlements, Papakura is coming up very shortly. Papakura was first settled in the 1840’s as a farming village. At that time the principal access to the settlement was by sea up the Pahurehure Inlet from the Manukau Harbour. As you will see, the motorway passes over the Pahurehure Inlet. If the tide is flowing, you will see quite a current on either side of the road as the tidal flow rushes through a narrow gap as it enters or exits the Pahurehure Inlet. When the potential outbreak of war with the Māori tribes of the Waikato began in the 1860’s, the Great South Road was constructed providing a road link to Auckland. The road was a designated military road and constructed to transport supplies to the soldiers fighting in the Waikato. In 1862, the first of a series of Selwyn churches was constructed in the district called the Selwyn Chapel. The fear of invasion by Waikato Māori from the south turned Papakura from a farming village into a frontier settlement. With the constant threat of being attacked by Māori raiding parties, many of the settlers would crowd in at night to sleep in the comparative safety of the tiny Selwyn Chapel and in the nearby fortified Presbyterian Church.
Papakura Continued
The Presbyterian Church, originally built in 1859, was fortified against attack by Waikato Māori in 1863. The fortifications included “bullet-proofing” its walls with sand packed between the external weatherboards and interior linings, and loopholes were cut so that rifles could return fire in the event of an attack. Unlike many other churches, the Presbyterian Church and Selwyn Chapel were spared attack. But it was actions like the fortification of the churches that changed the Waikato Māori view of the missionaries from being largely neutral in the land wars conflict, to now believing that the missionaries acted as agents for the government. Once the wars had ended, Papakura progressed less rapidly than its founders had expected, largely staying as a small village. From 1945 however, Papakura began to transform into a bustling area of light industry and commerce. Today, the settlement of Papakura has been absorbed into Auckland and many of its residents commute daily to their jobs in the central city. The Māori name Papakura translated literally means “Red Earth” and refers to the areas of flat land dominated by red volcanic soil.
Drury
Before the 1860s, Drury was a small settlement on the northern edge of dense bushland stretching south to the Waikato region. From 1863, Drury became a forward base for British Imperial troops during the Waikato Wars, a campaign against Māori tribes of the Waikato. A redoubt was built on the highest point of the settlement, marking Drury as the last protected stop on the Great South Road. Māori raiding parties, or “taua,” used the Drury Hills to monitor British movements and launch attacks. A monument now stands in Drury to honour eight men from the 1st Waikato Regiment who died in the 1863 Battle of Mauku. They are believed to be buried in a mass grave beneath the memorial. In October 1863, the tiny settlement of Mauku had two stockades: one at the river landing for supply ships from Onehunga, and the other at St Bride’s Church, which had been fortified with split logs and rifle loopholes. The church was garrisoned by local settlers under Lieutenant D.H. Lusk. On 23 October, heavy gunfire was heard early in the morning. A Māori party was spotted shooting cattle on Wheeler’s Farm, 2 km south. Lusk ordered Lieutenant Percival to join him at St Bride’s, but Percival instead led 12 men directly to Titi Hill and was quickly overwhelmed. Lusk and 60 men rushed to assist, engaging around 150 Māori in a fierce 10–15-minute battle in felled bush. Percival was killed after repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire. The fighting included close combat with long-handled tomahawks. Private William Worthington was killed while reloading, and another soldier died withdrawing his bayonet. As Māori reinforcements arrived, the militia retreated to the church stockade. Two officers and up to seven men were killed. Māori casualties remain unknown. The militia dead were found the next day, tomahawked, stripped, and laid out side by side. Seven were buried at St John’s churchyard in Drury. A memorial was proposed immediately, with officers and men from the Waikato Regiments donating a day’s pay to commemorate their bravery.
Bombay Hills
We are now climbing the Bombay Hills. Although only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. Aucklanders and other New Zealanders have a mostly light-hearted "love-hate" relationship. Stereotypically, Aucklanders view parts of the country "south of the Bombay Hills" as provincial and unsophisticated, while the rest of the country sees Aucklanders as brash and arrogant. For this reason, the boundary between Auckland and its southern neighbours bears great significance. People on both sides of the boundary are as likely to use the phrase "New Zealand stops at the Bombay Hills".
Bombay Hills Continued
The Bombay Hills are geologically quite distinct as they are mainly of volcanic origin. The hills are overlain by volcanic ash which has weathered over time to create some of the best soils for market gardening in New Zealand. Known as the vegetable bowl of New Zealand, the commonly grown crops in the Bombay Hills region are potatoes, onions, lettuce and cover crops such as barley, oats and mustard. These crops are sold both as fresh and processed to markets across New Zealand and abroad. As we travel through the Bombay Hills you will be able to see the rich red volcanic soil so highly valued by the local market gardeners on either side of the road. See if you can guess which vegetable crop might be being grown.
Bombay Hills Continued
The Bombay Hills are named after the ship Bombay that brought immigrants from England in December 1863 to settle in this area. The Bombay was reported in Auckland’s Southern Cross newspaper as having sailed from Gravesend in England on the 26th August 1863, bringing the long-expected uniform for the Auckland Volunteers and also a portion of the plant for the Auckland Gas Works. The Bombay also brings a full cargo of merchandise and nearly 180 passengers. A good passage of 98 days from her final start.
Bombay Turnoff
Shortly we will turn off State Highway 1 and head into the eastern part of the Waikato. The Waikato is also one of the most fertile farmland areas in New Zealand. As we pass through the region you will see plenty of rolling lush farmland which supports New Zealand’s extensive and valuable dairy industry. As we mentioned in the introduction, during 1863 and 1864 the once-peaceful hills and plains of Waikato rang with battle cries, musket fire and cannons. At stake was some of the North Island’s most fertile farmland around the Waikato and Waipa rivers. When the smoke cleared, the British had seized more than one million acres of tribal territory, and the door open to Pakeha or white settlers’ control of the Waikato.
State Highway 2
As we travel along State Highway 2, we will pass by the settlements of Mangatāwhiri, Maramarua, and Mangatarata before reaching the Hauraki Plains and Tatuanui, home of the Tatua dairy factory, whose heritage now dates back more than 100 years to 1914, when a group of settlers got together to form a dairy company and build a cheese factory. From Tatuanui it is a relaxing 25-minute drive to Matamata and Hobbiton.
Mangatāwhiri
As we pass the small rural settlement of Mangatāwhiri, you’re travelling through a place rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. The name Mangatāwhiri comes from the Māori words manga (stream) and tāwhiri (a type of native tree), referring to the Mangatāwhiri Stream, which flows through this area and eventually joins the Waikato River. This stream once marked a significant boundary—both geographically and politically. Today, Mangatāwhiri is a peaceful farming community, surrounded by dairy pastures, rolling hills, and native bush. You might spot the Mangatāwhiri Forest in the distance—a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching, and part of the larger Hunua Ranges.
Miranda
Although not the site of specific battle sites, the part of the Waikato we travel through did not escape the wrath of the British and government troops. The nearby settlement of Pūkorokoro or Miranda as it is now known was the principal headquarters of the Ngāti Pāoa tribe who were settled in several villages along the western shore of the Firth of Thames were shelled by British gunboats, forcing them to retreat to the nearby Piako Swamp. On the bluff above the creek-mouth the troops built a redoubt or fort for 120 men. The fort was named Miranda, after the one of the warships that had shelled the Māori villages.
Maramarua
The Māori name Maramarua translated literally means “two moons” where “Marama” is the name for the moon and “rua” is the Māori word for the number two. The Kōpaku coalfield beneath us holds over 115 million tonnes of coal, just 10–12 metres below the surface. In the 1800s, coal from this region powered British gunboats during the Waikato Wars. Later, large coal-fired power stations were built at Meremere and Huntly to meet Auckland’s growing energy needs. An opencast mine opened here in 1947, supplying coal to Meremere via an overhead cableway. When the station closed in 1991, the mine was abandoned. Maramarua also has a unique wartime history. During World War II, it was the site of a conscientious objectors’ detention camp. These were New Zealanders who refused military service—mainly pacifists and communists—and were a small but determined minority. Unlike other countries, New Zealand treated objectors harshly. While Australia and Canada allowed civilian work, over 200 objectors here were held in camps or prisons for the entire war. The last were released in May 1946, nearly a year after the war ended.
Working Dogs
The kuri were brought to Aotearoa by Māori ancestors over 700 years ago, aboard great voyaging waka from Hawaiki. These dogs weren’t just pets — they were companions, hunters, and guardians. Small, sturdy, and with thick coats, kurī were well-suited to the cooler climate here. They helped hunt birds, especially ground-dwellers like the now-extinct moa, and their fur and bones were used in clothing, tools, and ornamentation. Unlike today’s working dogs — like the clever heading and huntaways you’ll see on farms — kuri didn’t herd sheep or cattle. Instead, they were deeply woven into Māori life and culture. Their bark, their presence, even their absence, is remembered in waiata (songs), pūrākau (stories), and carvings. Sadly, the kuri became extinct in the 1800s, likely due to interbreeding with European dogs and changes in lifestyle. But their legacy lives on — in museum collections, in Māori oral history, and in the names of places like Te Kuri-a-Paoa, the dog of Paoa, which refers to Young Nick’s Head near Gisborne. So next time you see a working dog bounding across a paddock, think of the kuri — the original working dog of Aotearoa.”
Coromandel View
As we reach the summit of the hill and the Kaihere Lookout, this is the first real view we get of the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. The highest point on the range is Mount Moehau, standing at 892 metres above sea level. This mountain holds deep cultural significance. It is known to Māori as Te Moengahau-o-Tamatekapua, meaning “the windy sleeping place of Tamatekapua.” According to tradition, Tamatekapua, the commander of the Te Arawa waka, was buried near the summit after leading his people to Aotearoa from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki around 1350 AD. The Coromandel Peninsula itself has two traditional Māori names. The most widely known is Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, meaning “the barb of Māui’s fish”, referring to the legend where the demigod Māui fished up the North Island. Another name, Te Paeroa-a-Toi, translates to “Toi’s long mountain range” This name connects to the story of Toi, a revered Polynesian explorer who lived around 1150 AD. Toi undertook a long voyage to Aotearoa in search of his grandson Whatonga, who had been swept out to sea during a canoe race. Toi eventually settled near Whakatāne, and his journey is remembered as one of the earliest migrations to these shores.
Kaimai Mountains
The Kaimai Range you can see is part of a series of ranges, with the Coromandel Range to the north and the Mamaku Ranges to the south. The Kaimai Range separates the Waikato in the west from the Bay of Plenty in the east. The highest point of the range is Mount Te Aroha at 952 m, at the foot of which is the town of Te Aroha. The range's terrain is rough, and only two roads pass over it: State Highway 2, across the northern end of the range through Karangahake Gorge, and State Highway 29 from Tauranga to Hamilton. Mt Te Aroha can be described as the northern head peak of the Kaimai Range. Far back in time Mt Te Aroha gained its name in Māori legend. Arawa chief, Kahumatamomoe was on his way home from visiting a kinsman at Kaipara. As was the habit with this explorer, he ascended to the highest point possible along the way. As he stood on top of the mountain, he was overjoyed to see the familiar landmarks of his tribal home. He decided to name it “Aroha tai; Love to the sea/coast”. The legend continues that in time the spirit of Kahumatamomoe caused a stream of crystal water to flow from the heart of the mountain. Where the stream emerged there appeared hot springs with healing qualities. A clear pool in the cleft of a rock was known as the “Mirror of Te Mamoe” and became a wishing well for newly married couples. The name of the Mountain has since been simplified to Te Aroha meaning “the love”.
Kaimai Mountains Continued
Gold was found on the mountain in 1880, and prospectors burned the vegetation in a fruitless search for a gold bearing reef. At Tui mine on the northern slopes, lead flux was recovered for gold smelters, but the ore contained too much zinc to be useful. The mine reopened in the 1960s but failed because the ore was contaminated by mercury. The Kaimai Railway Tunnel linking the Waikato to the Bay of Plenty, runs for nearly nine kilometres under the range, making it the longest tunnel in New Zealand. Construction of the tunnel started from both sides of the range in 1969. On Tuesday 24th February 1970 the Kaimai tunnel collapsed trapping 12 people, four of whom died. Six years later in 1976, the digging and excavation crews broke through to finally meet in the middle of the tunnel. The tunnel was opened on 12 September 1978 at a cost of 56 million dollars and was built for the purpose of carrying passengers and freight between the two regions. Passenger travel was provided by the Silver Fern railcar service between Auckland and Tauranga and was named the Kaimai Express. This service operated from 1991 until 2001 when the passenger numbers had dropped so low it was no longer viable to keep the rail car service operating.
Kaimai Mountains Continued
The Kaimai Ranges were also the site of a flight from Auckland to Tauranga that turned into a disaster that started in 1963 on a stormy morning when the pilot decided to lower the plane for landing, but he lowered far too early and the DC-3 smashed into a gully in the Kaimai Range killing all 23 passengers and crew on board in what is still New Zealand’s worst internal civil aviation accident.. A Court of Enquiry into the crash later concluded that at the time of the accident the winds were much stronger than had been forecast. The plane would have drifted west of the planned route without the crew knowing this. The pilot probably thought he was on the eastern side of the Kaimai Range and began his descent to Tauranga Airport too soon. Caught in a downdraught that was too turbulent to climb out of, the DC-3 slammed into a ridge on Mount Nga-tama-hinerua.
Kaimai Mountains Continued
Located within the Kaimai Ranges are the Wairere Falls, the highest waterfall in the North Island. At 153m the falls are so tall they can be seen from State Highway 27 and being only a 15-kilometre drive from Matamata, they are a popular spot to locals to visit.
Māori Place Names
As you have been travelling throughout New Zealand, you will probably have noticed that a large proportion of the towns, mountains, rivers and lakes are known by their Māori names. Many of these names are similar in prefix and refer to a particular characteristic. We will teach you some of the more common prefixes so that when you encounter a place or name with these prefixes, you will begin to understand the meaning of the regions name.
Waharoa
Coming up is the rail junction and settlement of Waharoa. This area was named in the late 1880’s by Matamata developer Josiah Firth in honour of Te Waharoa, the great warrior chief of the Ngāti Haua tribe of the Waikato. When Te Waharoa was still a small child, the pa where he lived with his mother was attacked by a party from Ngāti Whakaue tribe of Rotorua. Te Waharoa was captured and taken to the Rotorua district where he spent his childhood growing up among Ngāti Whakaue people. When he was a young man Te Waharoa elected and was allowed to return here to his homeland of Ngāti Haua. The Ngāti Whakaue chief who abducted Te Waharoa as an infant later regretted having allowed him to grow to manhood and to return to his own tribe. Although Te Waharoa showed a desire to live in peace and to have a missionary stationed at Matamata, he took the battlefield field against his kidnappers, the Ngāti Whakaue to take utu or avenge his cousin's murder by besieging the Ngāti Whakaue’s tribal stronghold of Ohinemutu. Chief Te Waharoa died at Matamata on 20 September 1838, after which he was succeeded by his second son, Wiremu Tāmihana or as he better became known Wiremu Tāmihana “The King Maker”. Wiremu Tāmihana went on to become one of the most influential Māori leaders during the New Zealand Wars of the 1860’s. Upon his fathers’ death, Wiremu Tāmihana became the chief of the Ngāti Haua and like his father, opposed all Māori land sales and confiscations by the New Zealand Government.
Waharoa Continued
Tāmihana was an avid supporter of the Māori King Movement, whereby the Māori tribes from Waikato, Taupo and King Country had elected a “King” as their representative to bring about a settlement of the conflicts over land with the government. When the government issued an ultimatum demanding that the Māori renounce their elected King, Tāmihana, along with other Māori chiefs refused. The government decided that this was defiance and both sides prepared for war. In the battles of the Waikato that followed, Tāmihana became respected by both sides as an outstanding figure for his time in terms of his competence, leadership, personal ethics and his statesman-like qualities. In the mid 1860’s Tāmihana travelled to Wellington to plead with the government for the return of the Ngāti Haua’s confiscated lands. Although treated with respect by the government his requests were unsuccessful; he returned home from Wellington in ill-health and died in 1866. Nowadays the community is small, but it is close knit. Most of the residents of Waharoa are from a single iwi or tribe.
Matamata
Welcome to Matamata. Since the launch of the Lord of the Rings movies and the subsequent opening of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Matamata has become a vibrant visitor destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Translated literally, the Māori name Matamata means “headland”. This was the name of a new pa or fortified village established in 1830 by Te Waharoa, the famous Ngāti Haua chief that we told you of at our previous commentary point. The Matamata pa sits on a ridge of high ground projecting into the swampy valley of the Waitoa River, a few kilometres north-west of our current location. Over the centuries many travellers have passed through the Matamata district and some of them have remained and settled here. In pre-European times Māori warriors paddled up the Waihou River in canoes with trading or war parties, walked over the Kaimai and Mamaku Ranges and crossed the Matamata Plains enroute to the Waikato, Rotorua, Thames, Taupo or Tauranga.
Matamata Continued
Flax traders, missionaries, government officials, travellers and explorers passed through the Matamata Plains on their journeys and many left records of their visits. In 1833 four missionaries came up the Waihou and walked to the Matamata Pa to preach the first Christian sermon here. Two years later, at Te Waharoa’ s invitation, the Rev Alfred Brown and his wife Charlotte arrived to set up a mission station. However, it was not long before they had to leave because of tribal warfare.
Matamata Continued
In 1865, after the Land Wars, Josiah Clifton Firth, an Auckland flour miller and entrepreneur, negotiated with Tāmihana for the lease of 22,600 hectares of land including the future site of the town of Matamata. He adopted the name of Matamata for his large estate which he later purchased. He hoped to grow wheat for his Auckland flour mill, but the climate proved unsuitable, and he had to turn to cattle, sheep and horticultural products. In 1885 the Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway Company, of which Firth was a promoter, constructed a railway from Morrinsville across the plains to Matamata. The selection of the site of a small railway station in the middle of the plain began the development of the future town of Matamata from a nucleus of a few houses scattered around the station and the railway line. In 1887 the Matamata Estate was taken over by the Loan and Mercantile Company and then by the Bank of New Zealand. In 1904 it was subdivided into 118 farms which were offered for ballot to farming applicants. Once we near the Matamata i-SITE visitor centre, you will see that it has been transformed into a Gatehouse that looks like it came directly from the set of the Hobbit.
Nearing Hobbiton
Soon we will reach the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies where we will join a fascinating guided tour. The set was completely rebuilt for The Hobbit and will remain as it was seen in these films and The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. During your tour you will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, the double arched bridge, also the fully interactive Hobbit Hole on Bagshot row and other structures and gardens built for the films.
Nearing Hobbiton Continued
When Peter Jackson spotted the Alexander Farm during an aerial search of the North Island for the best possible locations to film The Lord of The Rings film trilogy, he immediately thought it was perfect for Hobbiton. Nevertheless, a lot of work was still needed to be completed before it was up to the director’s high standards. Site construction started in March 1999, and filming commenced in December that year, continuing for three months. The major components that were needed to create the Hobbiton Movie Set: included contracting the New Zealand Army to build 1.5 km of road into the site and the initial set development. The Army brought diggers, bulldozers, loaders, trucks, rollers, graders and other heavy machinery to the site. Barberry hedges and trees were brought in, and gardens were nurtured throughout winter. Thirty-seven hobbit holes were created with untreated timber, ply and polystyrene. The Mill and double arch bridge were built out of scaffolding, ply and polystyrene, then glued and painted. Thatch on the pub and mill roofs was cut from rushes around the Alexander farm. The oak tree overlooking Bag End was cut down and brought in from near Matamata. Each branch was numbered and chopped, then transported and bolted together on top of Bag End. Artificial leaves were imported from Taiwan and individually wired onto the dead tree. Generators were brought in to run the base camp and filming equipment. Logistics of power, water and sewerage all had to be considered. Catering was organised for up to 400 people a day, with three 2-course meals required for all the cast and crew.
Nearing Hobbiton Continued
The set was rebuilt in 2011 using more permanent materials for the feature films "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and "The Hobbit:, The Battle of the Five Armies". As you will soon see, it’s now a permanent attraction complete with hobbit holes, gardens, bridge, Bagshot Row, Mill and The Green Dragon Inn.
Nearing Hobbiton Continued
The Alexanders who own the farm moved to the 1250 acre or 500-hectare property in 1978. Since then, it has been farmed as a traditional New Zealand sheep and beef farm and is still farmed the same today, run by the Alexander brothers and their father. The property runs approximately 13,000 sheep and 300 Angus beef cattle and as such the major sources of income are mutton, wool and beef. The brothers shear all the sheep on the property themselves approximately every eight months.
Nearing Hobbiton Continued
Once we arrive at Hobbiton, your driver/guide will advise you on arrival where you need to be, and at what TIME. There is also a commentary to download for the Movie Set tour using their QR code found on their brochure.
Rotorua Aroma "Rotten Eggs"
As we arrive in Rotorua, you may notice a rather distinctive smell in the air — a strong sulphur or “rotten egg” smell. Don’t worry, nothing’s gone wrong with the bus! What you’re smelling comes from Rotorua’s geothermal activity. Beneath the ground here, there are hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents that release gases, including hydrogen sulphide. That’s what gives the air its unique sulphur smell. For locals, it’s just part of everyday life — many say you stop noticing it after a while. This geothermal activity is what makes Rotorua so special. The same forces that cause the smell also heat natural hot pools, power geysers like the famous Pōhutu Geyser, and have provided warmth and cooking methods for Māori people for hundreds of years. So while the sulphur smell might take a little getting used to, it’s actually the scent of Rotorua’s natural wonders — and a reminder that you’re in one of the most geothermally active places in the world.
Kuirau Park
We’re about to pass Kuirau Park, one of Rotorua’s hidden gems and New Zealand’s only public geothermal park. This area is full of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs – and the best part is that it’s completely free to visit. Locals and visitors alike come here to wander the walkways, enjoy the gardens, and even soak their feet in the hot mineral foot baths. The park is named after a Māori woman, Kuirau, who, according to legend, was bathing in one of the lakes when a taniwha – a mythical water creature – dragged her beneath the surface. After that, the waters boiled with fury, and the area became tapu, or sacred. Today, it’s a popular spot for families, with playgrounds and open green spaces alongside the geothermal features. On Saturday mornings there’s even a market here, where you can browse local crafts, fresh produce, and treats. So Kuirau Park is really a place where everyday life in Rotorua and the geothermal world come together – a reminder that here, nature is always bubbling away just beneath our feet.
Thank you
As we arrive into our final destination, on behalf of Great Sights and your driver/guide we would like to thank you for joining us today. Hopefully, we manage to tick off some of your bucket list activities while here in New Zealand and create some lifelong memories. If you are heading to the South Island, please take the time to check out other fantastic tours on offer when viewing Great Sights online. If you’ve had a great day, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave feedback via email or via your booking agent. Please remember to gather all your personal belongings when disembarking the coach for the final time. Thank you for travelling with GreatSights. We hope to see you again. Ka Kite ano – See you again.
Introduction
Kia ora and good morning Welcome aboard this GreatSights journey to the Hobbiton Movie Set, including a buffet lunch at the Party Marquee.
Safety
It is with pleasure that we provide commentary direct to you as we share today’s journey. We hope you will relax and enjoy your day. Please feel free to ask the driver any questions you may have. Your comfort and safety are important so here are some tips as we begin the day. Please ensure your personal headphones are connected to your phone while listening to this commentary, so you don’t disturb others who may be listening to the driver’s commentary. For those with mobility concerns please enter and exit at the front of the coach where the driver attends the door offering assistance to those who require it. Your seat reclines for maximum comfort. While the coach is moving, please remain seated and if the coach is fitted for seatbelts by law these must be worn at all times. Failure to do so may result in a fine that is payable by you as the passenger. For your convenience there is a toilet on board. In the unlikely event of an accident, follow the instructions of your driver and remember exits are at the front, side door and rear doors, and emergency exit windows at the rear. For the comfort of others, we ask that you don’t eat messy food on board, smoke cigarettes or use electronic vapes as we have plenty of rest stops for that. Just pay attention to the time the driver gives you to return to the coach.
Lake Rotorua
Just ahead, you’ll see Lake Rotorua, the largest of the region’s many lakes. It’s a volcanic crater lake, formed around 200,000 years ago, and it covers an area of about 80 square kilometres. Despite its size, it’s actually quite shallow – on average only about 10 metres deep. The name Rotorua comes from Māori: roto meaning “lake” and rua meaning “second,” as this was the second major lake discovered by the explorer Ihenga. The lake is central to the identity of the Te Arawa iwi, who have lived around its shores for centuries. If you look towards the middle of the lake, you might spot Mokoia Island. This island is sacred to Māori and features in one of New Zealand’s most famous love stories – the legend of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai. Today, the lake is used for boating, fishing, and leisure, though the geothermal activity in and around it means it can sometimes look a little murky. Still, it remains a striking centrepiece to the city of Rotorua.
Leaving Rotorua
We are now leaving behind the steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and heading north towards the green rolling farmland of Matamata – home of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set and will be travelling through an area rich in Māori history and culture. This region is part of the ancestral lands of the Te Arawa iwi, who settled here hundreds of years ago. The lakes, forests, and geothermal areas were vital sources of food, water, and medicinal plants for generations. You may notice the rolling hills and fertile farmland we’re passing through – the Māori name for much of this area reflects the land’s natural features, and the iwi maintained a strong connection to these places through customs, stories, and spiritual beliefs. Many of the lakes and streams along the way are considered taonga, or treasured, and have special significance in local legends. Even as European settlers transformed much of this landscape into farmland, Māori traditions and stories remain alive. Today, this drive gives you a glimpse of the heart of the North Island, where natural beauty, agricultural life, and centuries of cultural heritage coexist. As we get closer to Matamata, you’ll notice the landscape begins to look very familiar – with its rolling green hills, scattered sheep, and peaceful farmland. It was this idyllic countryside that caught the eye of Sir Peter Jackson when he was scouting for a location to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life. He thought this land looked exactly like the Shire – and once you see it, you’ll probably agree! In around an hour’s time, we’ll arrive at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll step right into the world of Bilbo, Frodo, and the hobbits of the Shire.
Ngongotahā
We are now passing Ngongotahā, a small township just a few minutes north of Rotorua, sitting on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The name Ngongotahā comes from a Māori legend. It’s said the great chief Ihenga stopped here to drink water from a spring at the foot of the mountain. The name means “the drink of Tāhā”, with Tāhā being the gourd he used to scoop the water. The mountain, Mount Ngongotahā, rises 757 metres above sea level and is a significant landmark in the area. Today, it’s home to the Skyline Gondola and Luge rides – where you can take a gondola up the mountain and then race downhill on the luge tracks, a favourite activity for families and adventure seekers. The mountain also has walking tracks through native forest and offers some of the best views over Rotorua. Ngongotahā itself has a strong community spirit and is surrounded by rich farmland. You’ll also find the trout hatchery and streams nearby, as this area is well known for fishing – Lake Rotorua and its tributaries are popular with anglers from all over the world. So while it’s a small town, Ngongotahā is a place of legends, adventure, and beautiful scenery – a real gateway between the lake and the mountain.
Mamaku Ranges
As we make our way towards the Mamaku Ranges, you’ll notice the landscape begin to climb and change. The Mamakus form part of the forested hills that rise up between Rotorua and the Waikato, reaching around 600 metres above sea level. This area was once covered in dense native bush, and much of it still is – towering rimu, tōtara, kahikatea and, of course, giant tree ferns, which are called ponga in Māori. These forests were a valuable source of timber in the early days of European settlement, and the railway line over the Mamakus was an important transport route for getting goods between Rotorua and the Waikato. The ranges are also steeped in Māori history. The name Mamaku comes from the Māori word for the black tree fern, a plant which you’ll see growing tall throughout the bush here, that was traditionally used for food, medicine, and weaving by local Māori. The Mamaku were also an important travel and resource route for Māori, providing materials like timber, flax, and fresh water. Many of the streams and lakes here are considered taonga, or treasures, and are linked to local legends and spiritual traditions. The Mamaku Plateau is dotted with small lakes and wetlands, and if you look closely on a clear day, you may see the rolling farmland giving way to thick, untouched native forest. The air is cooler up here too, and the Mamakus often get more rainfall than Rotorua or Matamata – helping to keep everything so green and lush. So as we cross the Mamaku Ranges, we’re really travelling through a gateway – leaving the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua behind, and soon descending into the rich dairy farmland of the Waikato region.
Fitzgerald Glade
Coming up is a real treat – Fitzgerald Glade. This is one of the most photographed stretches of road in the North Island. As we drive through, you’ll notice how the trees on either side of the road grow up tall and arch overhead, forming a beautiful green tunnel. It almost feels like nature has built a grand entranceway just for us. In spring and summer, the canopy is rich and leafy, while in autumn and winter you’ll see softer light filtering through the branches. The Glade was named after early settlers in the area, and it has long been admired as a natural highlight of the Rotorua–Matamata route. Many people say it feels a little bit magical, and you can see why filmmakers and photographers are often drawn to it. It’s only a short section of road, but it’s definitely one to enjoy – a peaceful, almost fairy-tale passage before we continue on towards the open countryside.
Tirau
We’re now coming into the little town of Tīrau, which proudly calls itself the Corrugated Iron Capital of New Zealand. You’ll spot that right away – with the giant corrugated iron dog and sheep buildings at the entrance to town. These quirky creations have become famous landmarks and make Tīrau one of the most photographed small towns in the country. Tīrau is a classic rural service town, sitting at the junction of the roads to Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton, and Matamata. Its name in Māori means “many cabbage trees,” and you’ll often see those dotted around the countryside. Today, Tīrau has become a favourite stop for travellers, with its boutique shops, cafés, and local art galleries. It’s a small place with a big personality – mixing farming heritage with a fun, creative spirit. So as we pass through, keep your eyes peeled for those corrugated iron characters – they’re Tīrau’s unique way of saying “welcome.”
Leaving Tirau
As we leave Tīrau, you’ll notice how the landscape begins to change from the quirky township with its famous corrugated iron sculptures to the rolling green hills of the Waikato countryside. This region is known for its rich farmland, dairy herds, and pastoral scenery – a classic picture of rural New Zealand. The Waikato region has a long history, first with Māori settlement and later European farming communities. Many of the hills and rivers you see were important sources of food and travel routes for local iwi, and some of the farmland still follows boundaries set hundreds of years ago. As we approach Matamata, you’ll begin to see the hills take on that magical, almost storybook quality. This is why the Hobbiton Movie Set was built here – the rolling pastures, gentle slopes, and scattered trees perfectly evoke the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. So sit back and enjoy the scenery – you’re moving from a lively rural township into the heart of New Zealand’s Middle-earth countryside, where history, culture, and cinematic magic meet.
Dairy Farming in the Waikato
As we travel through the Waikato, you’ll notice the wide green pastures and herds of cows grazing — this is the heartland of New Zealand’s dairy industry. The Waikato has some of the most fertile soils and reliable rainfall in the country, making it perfect for farming. Dairy farming here dates back to the 1800s and has grown to become one of New Zealand’s most important industries. New Zealand is actually the world’s largest exporter of dairy products, and the Waikato region plays a huge part in that. The milk produced here is processed into butter, cheese, yoghurt, and, most importantly, milk powder — which is shipped all around the globe. You may also see large stainless-steel milk tankers on the roads. These collect milk from farms and deliver it to processing plants, many operated by Fonterra, a farmer-owned cooperative and one of the world’s biggest dairy exporters, with its headquarters in nearby Hamilton. Dairy farming is more than just an industry here — it’s part of the culture and identity of the Waikato. Generations of farming families have built their lives around these rolling paddocks, and it remains a cornerstone of the New Zealand economy.
Matamata
We’re now approaching Matamata, a vibrant rural town in the Waikato region that has become world-famous thanks to the Hobbiton Movie Set. While today Matamata is best known as the gateway to Middle-earth, it also has a proud farming heritage. The land around Matamata is some of the most fertile in the country, supporting dairy farms, thoroughbred studs, and cropping. In fact, horse breeding and racing are a big part of the town’s identity, with Matamata producing some of New Zealand’s top racehorses over the years. The town itself has a welcoming, country feel, with cafés, boutique shops, and even its own “Hobbit-style” i-SITE visitor centre — complete with round doors and grassy roofs, which makes a fun photo stop for travellers. Beyond Hobbiton, Matamata also serves as a base to explore the nearby Kaimai Ranges, which offer bush walks, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts. So whether you’re here for farming, horses, or hobbits, Matamata blends its small-town charm with world-renowned attractions, making it a special place in the Waikato.
Hobbiton to Auckland via SH29/1
We hope you have all enjoyed your memorable tour of Hobbiton. It is now sadly the time to make our journey back to Auckland. Once we leave here we will travel along State Highway 29 then join State Highway 1, meeting up with the motorway way at Cambridge which will take us all the way back to Auckland.
Karapiro
We are now travelling beside Lake Karapiro. Lake Karapiro is an artificial lake really part of the Waikato River which was widened at this point due to the construction of the Karapiro hydro dam. Beneath its waters lies the Horahora power station, completed in 1913 to supply the Waihi Gold Mining Company in the Bay of Plenty. Construction began in 1940, but because of the shortage of building supplies during the Second World War, the dam was not completed until 1947. The dam was officially opened and commissioned in 1948. The building of the dam raised the water level of the existing river by over 30 metres. Lake Karapiro is 7.7sqkm in area and extends back 24km to Arapuni. The Karapiro dam is the northern most of the Waikato River’s 8 hydro power-stations. The flow of water along the river is regulated by control gates at Lake Taupo which control Lake Taupo’s outflow. The outflow of water from Lake Taupo can be increased or decreased to meet the hydro system’s needs.
Karapiro Continued
Lake Karapiro is used for both National and International Rowing Championships and is recognised at one of the world’s finest rowing courses. Lake Karapiro was used for rowing in the 1950 Empire Games and again for the 1978 World Rowing Championships. Lake Karapiro is also a popular lake for water skiers, yachtsman, power boating and the more tranquil pursuit of trout fishing. After returning from a battle in the southern Waikato, the Māori Chief Te Waharoa stopped here at Karapiro to burn the bodies of the warriors who had been killed in the battle at the base of a large rocky outcrop, so they would not fall into enemy hands. The burning produced a strong odour. It is from this incident that Karapiro gets its name: Kara means “rock” and “piro” means rotting or rotten.
Hamilton
Shortly, you’ll see exit signs for Hamilton. We’ll be passing around the outskirts of Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. Located in the heart of the Waikato region, Hamilton has a population of approximately 192,000, making it the fourth-largest city in the country. The Māori name for Hamilton is Kirikiriroa, meaning “long stretch of gravel”. This name comes from one of the many Māori villages that once lined the banks of the Waikato River. These villages were abandoned following the invasion of the Waikato during the New Zealand Land Wars and the arrival of European settlers. Locals often refer to Hamilton as “The Tron”. The city was named after John Fane Charles Hamilton, a naval commander aboard the HMS Esk, who was killed in the Battle of Gate Pā during the Land Wars.
Hamilton Continued
Today, Hamilton is a vibrant centre of education and economic activity. It is home to the University of Waikato, established in 1964, which now hosts over 10,500 students and employs around 1,499 administrative staff. The university is known for its research across a wide range of disciplines including science, education, engineering, management, and indigenous studies. Another key institution is the Waikato Institute of Technology, commonly known as Wintec, which supports nearly 9,000 students across various vocational and academic programmes. Just beyond the city lies Ruakura, a major horticultural and agricultural research centre. Ruakura has played a pivotal role in developing innovative farming technologies and methods that have been adopted nationwide. These advancements are showcased annually at the National Field Days, held on the outskirts of Hamilton. This event is widely recognised as the largest agricultural showcase in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 130,000 visitors from around the globe across four days. Hamilton’s growth over the past decade has been significantly boosted by the completion of the Waikato Expressway, which has attracted numerous freight logistics and forwarding companies to the area.
Ngāruāwahia
Ngāruāwahia is a small township located out in the distance. The name Ngāruāwahia means "the opened food pits" and derives its name from a great Māori feast and celebrations that occurred here in the 17th century.Te Ngaere, a Ngati Tamainu-pō chief and Heke-i-te-rangi, a Ngati Maniapoto woman, had eloped and settled at Ngāruāwahia causing a rift between their tribes.When their first child was born, Chief Te Ngaere invited his wife’s Ngati Maniapoto people here to the celebration in an attempt to reconcile the tribes.Chief Te Ngaere's father named the new boy child “Te Mana-o-te-rangi” in honour of the Ngati Maniapoto, where “Te Mana” means the respect and “o- te –rangi” means at the place of the Sky god Rangi.With this proclamation, formal peace was established between the tribes; Te Ngaere then shouted "Wahia ngā rua" which translated literally means “break open the food pits”; and marked the commencement of the celebration feasting.
Ngāruāwahia Continued
Ngāruāwahia is home to the Māori Kingi-tanga or the Māori King Movement. The first Māori King, Potatau Te Wherowhero, was crowned at Ngāruāwahia in April 1857.The current Māori Queen is Ngā Wai hono I te Po, who obtained the throne at Turangawaewae Marae immediately following her father King Tuheitia’s passing in 2024 who we talked about earlier at Mount Taupiri.
Huntly
The two large chimney stacks that you see with the orange tips are part of the 953 MW Huntly Power Station, New Zealand’s largest power station by capacity. The Huntly power station was commissioned in 1982 to run on gas and coal. As Māui natural gas supplies in Taranaki on New Zealand’s west coast began to run out in early 2000s, coal increasingly became the major fuel. Up to 50% of the coal used in the older section of the power plant is imported from Indonesia, the remainder is mined in New Zealand. The gas for the newer turbines again comes from the Māui gas field in the Taranaki. The station uses water from the Waikato River for cooling. However, in order to protect aquatic life, conditions are imposed specifying the quantity of water that can be removed by the station along with the maximum temperature of the water when returned to the river which is 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions mean that on very hot summer days the station cannot operate at maximum capacity and has sometimes effectively been shut down. The Huntly Power Station chimneys are 150 metres high; the reason they are painted orange on the tips is to serve as a visual warning to low-flying aircraft.
Rangiriri
We are now passing through Rangiriri, translated literally Rangiriri means “Angry Sky”. One of the fiercest battles of the Waikato War was fought here at Rangiriri on 20 November 1863. The pa built here by Māori to block the British advance was exceptionally strong and a carefully hidden trap with concealed firing positions. The British troops were commanded by General Duncan Alexander Cameron, a Crimean war veteran who had come to New Zealand at the request of the Government to assist in the Waikato Land Wars. Although only 500 warriors were here, the Māori defence line was well protected by trenches, 20-foot earth walls and swampy ground. The front-line running East-West consisted of a long trench, a parapet of banked up earth and then another long trench. The trenches varied in depth from nine to fourteen feet and were so wide that they could not be jumped. The earth parapet was between 14 and 21 feet high from the bottom of the trench. The trenches were also equipped with excavated fox holes in which the warriors could shelter from incoming bombardment. From these fox holes the Māori warriors could quickly move up to steps cut in the trench walls that allowed them to return fire. On 20th November 1863, the British began their attack. After substantial artillery bombardment, they then launched a frontal attack on the defensive line. With bayonets fixed, the troops charged the trenches to capture the outer-lying earthworks. The Māori rapidly found themselves retreating to the central redoubt. The Māori fired heavy volleys into the British who were repulsed with heavy casualties. The British again ordered further assaults on the redoubt, but these too ended in disaster. A detachment of the Royal Artillery, armed with revolvers and swords, was ordered late in the afternoon to storm the fort. Captain Mercer who you will remember the settlement of Mercer we passed through was named after, led thirty-six of his men in the assault, but they were repelled by the Māori; Mercer fell mortally wounded, shot through the mouth. That night, while the British troops lay encamped in front of the central redoubt, the majority of Māori warriors evacuated the pā across Lake Wairere. Shortly after daybreak on November the 21st, the remaining Māori raised the white flag of surrender.
Rangiriri Continued
Māori intended to discuss the terms of surrender, but their intent was wrongly interpreted by the British and the remaining Māori were captured without further bloodshed. The British considered Rangiriri to be a decisive victory over the rebellious Māori. In all, 132 British and 41 Māori lost their lives in that day of furious fighting. The main highway crosses over the original battle site. The bang of the double-barrel gun is still a familiar sound around Rangiriri, but nowadays it is the wild duck and not the Pākehā or British soldiers that is the target.
Te Kauwhata
Te Kauwhata lies at the centre of one of New Zealand's smaller wine-producing regions, which stretches from Pukekohe, just south of Auckland, across to Thames and Paeroa at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula. The region is particularly notable for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc wines. In 1895, Romeo Bragato a viticulturist and visionary who had been trained at the highly regarded School of Viticulture and Oenology in Conegliano, Italy came to NZ as the Government viticulturalist, contracted to advise on the future of wine growing in the colony. Bragato fell in love with the soft climate, sedimentary soil and gentle slopes of north Waikato, reminiscent of his native Italy. In 1903, at his insistence the Government Viticultural Research Station was built at Te Kauwhata, overlooking Lake Waikare. The first wines from Te Kauwhata were produced in 1903. The research station is no longer, but vines are still grown, and wine is still produced in this important place in New Zealand's winemaking history. In February 2016, Invivo Wines, producer of Graham Norton the Irish television and radio presenter, comedian, and actor's own Sauvignon Blanc, announced their securing of a 10-year lease of this winery.
Hampton Downs
Coming into view, you will see the Hampton Downs Racetrack. Hampton Downs is a 450-acre motorsport park, based around a new international race circuit. It boasts a convention centre ‘Hampton’s Pavilion’, hospitality facilities, purpose-built skid pan and industrial units. Within the circuit’s park-like surroundings you can try your hand at car and motorcycle experiences ranging from ‘hot lap’ thrills to advanced high-speed and driver training.
Meremere
We are now in Meremere. The Māori name Meremere means “Evening Star”. During the Waikato Land Wars, Meremere was the site of a large hilltop Māori pā (fortress), while nearby stood the British Alexandra Redoubt. Māori warriors were renowned for their courage and skill in guerrilla warfare. Using carved close-combat weapons, they excelled in ambush tactics. Small raiding parties, known as taua, moved through the bush, camping by day and travelling at night—often attacking at dawn. They targeted British messengers and sentries, drawing troops into the bush and inflicting heavy casualties. One such incident occurred in late 1863. Irish soldier Jack Murphy was on sentry duty outside the redoubt when he spotted what appeared to be a large pig rooting in the fern. Suspicious, he challenged it and fired. He missed—and the “pig” threw off its hide and lunged at him with a tomahawk. It was a Māori warrior using a pigskin disguise to sneak up on the sentry. Murphy had no time to reload his Enfield rifle. He tried to deflect the blow, but the tomahawk struck his left hand. The camp turned out, but the attacker had vanished. Murphy was left shouting for a lantern—his thumb had been cleanly severed.
Thank you
As we arrive into our final destination, on behalf of Great Sights and your driver/guide we would like to thank you for joining us today. Hopefully, we manage to tick off some of your bucket list activities while here in New Zealand and create some lifelong memories. If you are heading to the South Island, please take the time to check out other fantastic tours on offer when viewing Great Sights online. If you’ve had a great day, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave feedback via email or via your booking agent. Please remember to gather all your personal belongings when disembarking the coach for the final time. Thank you for travelling with GreatSights. We hope to see you again. Ka Kite ano – See you again.
