Toward Cape Foulwind West Coast

The wily old **Te Rauparaha (Maori Chief) knew Cape Foulwind well, for his party sailed down in canoes from the stronghold on Kapiti 50 km north of Wellington. And his coming, feared and dreaded, was watched for by the local Maoris from the high point at Tauranga Bay, three miles to the south. This picturesque bay with its three great hills, guarding the entrance like sentinels, its lovely background of green paddocks, bush-covered hills, often resounded to fierce battle cries, while its smooth sands were often stained with the blood of Te Rauparaha's victims. Numerous weapons and relics found in the vicinity testify to the truth of the various tales concerning these tribal wars. Note - ** Te Rauparaha (1760s – 27 November 1849) was a Māori rangatira (chief) and war leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe who took a leading part in the Musket Wars.