Te Porere Redoubt consists of two redoubts (in this case earthen forts) on Te Araroa Trail. The trail is accessed from State Highway 47 along a short metal road. Look out for the sign just to the southwest of the intersection with State Highway 46.
In mid-1868, in the final phase of the New Zealand Wars, Te Kooti escaped from the Chatham Islands with 300 followers. He had been interred without trial after being accused of spying for an anti-government iwi. In 1869, his force built the British-style redoubt to stage a fixed-position battle with government forces. But Te Pōrere was not particularly well designed, and 37 of Te Kooti’s followers were killed and 30 captured.
Te Kooti escaped, and his guerilla campaign continued throughout the central North Island to the East Coast for several years. He was chased all over the region by Māori and European troops until he was granted sanctuary by the Māori King in 1872. In 1882, he was pardoned by the government.
The redoubts you see are not originals, having been restored by Heritage New Zealand in 1960. However, the information boards are excellent, commemorating the last major battle of the New Zealand Wars. Plus, it is a stunning location with views back to the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park.
