Whangamarino Redoubt gives a strong sense of the Waikato invasion by government forces. Along the northern part of the Waikato River, a goal for both sides was control of high points. After a battle near Mercer, the Kīngitanga forces, about 1,000 strong, reassembled 6 km to the south at a fortified pā overlooking the river in Meremere.
The government army occupied another hilltop pā north of Meremere, where they built the Whangamarino Redoubt. The Kingitanga force was initially protected from direct land assault by the Whangamarino swamp, so the army installed two 40-pounder Armstrong canons to bombard Meremere.
The Kīngitanga force had acquired three small ship cannons, which were ineffective due to poor-quality ammunition. In the end, the government forces had a bloodless victory. After several days of shelling, they bypassed Meremere in their gunboats and landed upstream, outflanking the pā. But the defenders, aided by spring floods, paddled away to fight another day. The government soldiers then built a redoubt on the Meremere pā site, which is presently inaccessible.
Look out for the road sign for Whangamarino Redoubt as you head south along the Waikato Expressway. The car park is just after you exit, with a marked short but steep track to the top of the hill and remains of the redoubt. Even if military history is not your thing, it is a great view over the River and south to Meremere.
