Mercer is a small town on the Waikato Expressway next to the Waikato River, just after the river curves from west to south. It was a key location on the river during the government invasion of the Waikato. On 17 July 1863, 15 Māori defenders were killed at the nearby Koheroa highpoint. The town was named after Captain Henry Mercer, who was killed at Rangiriri, later in 1863.
In 1866, one of the navy's river gunboats, Pioneer, sank at the entrance to the Manukau Harbour. One of the gun turrets now forms part of the Mercer war memorial. The original post-invasion memorial inscription refers to the “Māori Land Wars,” a pretty clear message from the past.
Apart from the gunship turret, there are no other signs of the invasion. The town is now best known as a refuelling and food stop with an attractive riverfrontage. It's a perfect spot to take a break from an extended drive on the main highway.
