Access

Okoki Pa is signposted 3.5 km north of Urenui on SH3. Follow the metalled farm road 500 metres to the grassed area at the entrance to the reserve.

Track

There are concrete steps to the Sir Peter Buck Memorial.

Polynesian History

Okoki Pa was a traditional stronghold of Ngati Mutunga. Following the siege of Pukerangiora Pa by Waikato tribes, over 1000 of their warriors descended south, with their allies Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Haua. At the same time Te Rauparaha and Ngati Toa, were living in Urenui with their Te Atiawa allies, Ngati Mutunga and Mgati Tama.

After a long march, the northern tribes camped at Waitoetoe, near Okoki, but were subjected to a surprise attacked from Taranaki warriors. This was later followed by an all out offensive, which inflicted heavy losses on the Waikato invaders. Only the bravery of Te Wherowhero apparently kept losses down. He was later to become the first Maori king. The northern forces then retreated to join their tribesmen at Pukerangiora.

Okoki Pa occupied a large bend on the Urenui River. It is now near the site of the Te Rangi Hiroa (Sir Peter Buck) Memorial . This edifice is the stylised prow of a waka and houses the remains of Sir Peter and Lady Margaret Buck in a stone crypt beneath. Sir Peter Buck reached notoriety for his distinguished service to the New Zealand army and as a doctor and politician. He died in 1981 in Honolulu.