| Kawaha Point is an important headland on to Lake Rotorua and was chosen as an early settlement by Maori. Close to the shores were fishing villages and further up on the headland was a fortified pa. As the most efficient transport was by canoe, the views gave resident tribes security by being aware of any warriors or visitors arriving by water. Remnants of this early Maori civilisation are still evident and the rock-strewn headland still has the grassy trenches and ramparts of this ancient pa. History indicates an ancient past of well-established tribal settlements over many years some with substantial dwellings on the headland point. At one time, it was a stronghold of the famous chieftain, Tunohopu with his family of wives, children, warriors and slaves. Inside the outer fortifications, a vegetable garden was cultivated for the chieftain and his family. |