Access

From SH1 take the turn off to Karitane. At the village, park on Barvas St, where there is a toilet.

Take care on the one-way system as it is narrow.

Track

From Barvas St follow the rock wall towards the peninsula, head right at the jetty then left at the pa entrance. The entrance is intricately carved.

A network of tracks weaves over the headland. It is best to take the right road first, pass the blowholes, then head around to the summit trig.

Take the lower return route.

Polynesian History

In the late 1700s Te Wera (Tipuna Ariki a Kai Tahu) established his pa at Huriwae. The site was particularly suitable, as not only was it protected by the ramparts of high coastal cliffs, but the spring Te Punawai a Te Wera supplied water.

The pa was sieged by his cousin Taoka for over 6 months, but with sufficient food and water the attackers were repelled.

European History

The merchant pioneer settler John Jones, was the ‘Mr Big’ of the south eastern coast in pre-Treaty times. He bought the Long and Wright Whaling Station and paid off the price of 22 pounds with his first two whales. In the heyday upto 15 whaling vessels departed from the Waikouaiti Whaling Station, returning with a total of 41 whales over the 11 years of operation. As catches declined, the station became uneconomic and closed in 1848.