Mapoutahi Pa Site

Mapoutahi Pa Site is a historic and scenic reserve located on the coast of Otago, New Zealand, between the townships of Waitati and Purakaunui, within the limits of Dunedin City. The peninsula is situated approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Dunedin's city center.

The site is a former Maori pa, which is a fortified village, and is now a popular walking track. Visitors can explore the caves, pa site, and conservation area on an easy there-and-back walk along an unformed track to a long sandy beach.

To reach the Mapoutahi Pa Site, visitors can walk 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) on the sandy and unformed road to the beach from the gravelled end of Osborne Rd in Purakaunui Bay. From there, they can head left to the steps that lead up to the Mapoutahi Pa Site. The site is a great place to learn about the history of the Maori people and their way of life.

The Mapoutahi Pa Site is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, with stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean. The adjacent beach, Mapoutahi Cove, is used by naturists for nude walks and sunbathing. It is important to note that New Zealand has no official nude beaches, as public nudity is legal on any beach where it is "known to occur".

The Mapoutahi Pa Site has a rich history, and visitors can learn about the massacre that occurred there. The site was the location of a southern Maori inter-tribal war before the arrival of the Pakeha, or white people. Legend and tradition have enriched the North Island of New Zealand with a wealth of knowledge concerning the history of the Maori before the advent of the white people. Overall, the Mapoutahi Pa Site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach and explore the caves and pa site, all while taking in the stunning views of the coastline and ocean.