101478
Site of Taumatakahawai Pā and Monmouth Redoubt, Tauranga, c. 1300- (Place)
SummaryThe site of the former Taumatakahawai Pā and Monmouth Redoubt Historic Reserve is located on the Te Papa Peninsula at the northern end of The Strand, just south of the Ōtamataha Pā, and overlooking the Tauranga Harbour.
Māori settlement in the area began as early as the 14th century, with the Taumatakahawai Pā likely being constructed sometime around the 16th century. It is thought that the pā site was abandoned following an attack by Hauraki iwi in 1828, though open settlement resumed on the peninsula.
In 1838 the land was purchased by the Church Missionary Society, however Māori use of the area continued to some extent. During 1840 the site was refortified to protect against raids by Te Arawa.
In 1864 the 43rd Monmouth and 68th Durham Light Infantry regiments who were stationed in Tauranga used the old Taumatakahawai pā site to construct the Monmouth Redoubt. In 1869 the redoubt became the headquarters of the Armed Constabulary, who erected a number of buildings and extended the fortifications. Later in 1898, the site was taken over by the Tauranga Borough Council who converted the site into a reserve for public use. SourcesBay of Plenty Times. (1898, December 7). Sgt Murray handed over Monmouth Redoubt to Mayor (C.A. Clarke). p. 2.Kean, Fiona. (2018, June). Illustrated Historical Overview Monmouth Redoubt Lot 247, Section 1, Tauranga Town (Unpublished report). Tauranga Heritage Collection.Kean, Fiona. (2019). 'History'. In Walter, L., Greig, K. 'Monmouth Redoubt Historic Reserve Conservation Plan, September 2019'. InSitu Heritage Ltd. (Tauranga City Council).Neal, Justine. (2019, March 29). Monmouth Redoubt. Tauranga Historical Society blogspot.Phillips, K. (2017). Archaeological Survey and Assessment of Effects: Proposed Museum Development, Cliff Road, Tauranga. (Unpublished report, Tauranga City Council).
Māori settlement in the area began as early as the 14th century, with the Taumatakahawai Pā likely being constructed sometime around the 16th century. It is thought that the pā site was abandoned following an attack by Hauraki iwi in 1828, though open settlement resumed on the peninsula.
In 1838 the land was purchased by the Church Missionary Society, however Māori use of the area continued to some extent. During 1840 the site was refortified to protect against raids by Te Arawa.
In 1864 the 43rd Monmouth and 68th Durham Light Infantry regiments who were stationed in Tauranga used the old Taumatakahawai pā site to construct the Monmouth Redoubt. In 1869 the redoubt became the headquarters of the Armed Constabulary, who erected a number of buildings and extended the fortifications. Later in 1898, the site was taken over by the Tauranga Borough Council who converted the site into a reserve for public use. SourcesBay of Plenty Times. (1898, December 7). Sgt Murray handed over Monmouth Redoubt to Mayor (C.A. Clarke). p. 2.Kean, Fiona. (2018, June). Illustrated Historical Overview Monmouth Redoubt Lot 247, Section 1, Tauranga Town (Unpublished report). Tauranga Heritage Collection.Kean, Fiona. (2019). 'History'. In Walter, L., Greig, K. 'Monmouth Redoubt Historic Reserve Conservation Plan, September 2019'. InSitu Heritage Ltd. (Tauranga City Council).Neal, Justine. (2019, March 29). Monmouth Redoubt. Tauranga Historical Society blogspot.Phillips, K. (2017). Archaeological Survey and Assessment of Effects: Proposed Museum Development, Cliff Road, Tauranga. (Unpublished report, Tauranga City Council).
Stories - Places
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Usage
Kaitiakitanga StatementPlease use taonga Māori materials provided by Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries appropriately. This includes being respectful and mindful of the creator/s, as well as the mana and dignity of people, iwi and hapū group/s, and the environmental subjects depicted in the material.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries
Whakapapa
Location
Map Address13/15 Monmouth Street, Tauranga 3110LocationThe northern end of The Strand, on the escarpment along the eastern cliff of the Te Papa Peninsula. Access off Cliff Road and The Strand.Latitude/Longitude[1]
Admin
AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authority
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Site of Taumatakahawai Pā and Monmouth Redoubt, Tauranga, c. 1300- (Place). Pae Korokī, accessed 14/11/2025, https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/101478







