Battle of Rangiriri

Rangiriri is a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand, located on the Waikato River near Lake Waikare. It’s roughly an hour’s drive from Auckland or Hamilton. Rangiriri was the site of a major Māori defensive structure during the Invasion of the Waikato — a pivotal campaign in the New Zealand Wars.

The Battle of Rangiriri, fought from 20–21 November 1863, was one of the costliest engagements in the wars. Over 1,400 British and Colonial forces attacked about 500 Kingitanga (Māori King Movement) warriors. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Kingitanga forces held strong until a misinterpretation of a parley flag led to British troops entering the pā. The British captured 183 Māori, significantly weakening their resistance.

By this time, the British forces were well-equipped, using steamers to move troops and supplies, giving them strategic mobility. The Waikato River, once an asset to local defenders, became a highway for the invaders. The Māori warriors, still preparing their defenses, were caught off guard on 20 November 1863.

The battle took place on a narrow strip of land between the Waikato River and Lake Kopuera. The strong central redoubt and surrounding rifle pits repelled multiple attacks. Government forces bivouacked overnight in harsh conditions. By morning, they had misread a white flag and entered the pā prematurely. Despite inflicting higher casualties on the British, the Māori suffered strategic defeat with mass captures.

Weeks later, British forces occupied Ngāruawāhia — the capital of the Māori King. The campaign continued to Rangiaowhia and Ōrākau in 1864. Though Māori resistance continued, major victories for the British culminated in the defeat of the King Movement’s territorial control.

In recent years, the NZ Transport Agency restored a significant part of the Rangiriri pā site during the Waikato Expressway project. Opened to the public in 2017, the site still offers a vivid sense of the battleground’s layout, despite some erosion and modern development.

Nearby, Te Wheoro’s Redoubt and the Māori War and Early Settlers’ Cemetery offer more historical context. The privately-run Rangiriri Battle Site Heritage Centre, located near the township’s tavern, includes a café and information displays.

Supervan Shuttle includes the Rangiriri Battle Site as a stop on its popular "Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves" tour. At just NZ$159.00 per person, this full-day journey is perfect for those heading south and keen to explore the historic and natural wonders of New Zealand. Supervan also offers airport transfers between Hamilton and Auckland. Learn more at www.supervans.co.nz.