Opepe, New Zealand facts for kids

Ōpepe was once a small settlement in New Zealand. It was located a few miles southwest of the town of Taupō. Ōpepe is known for a historical event that happened there in 1869.

What Was Ōpepe?

Ōpepe was a small settlement in New Zealand. It was located near the town of Taupō. Long ago, Ōpepe was an important place because two major walking paths crossed there. These paths connected Taupō to Napier and the Urewera area to Tokaanu.

A Famous Birthplace

The Māori leader Te Rangitahau was born in Ōpepe. He became an important figure in Māori history.

The Skirmish at Ōpepe

In June 1869, during a conflict known as Te Kooti's War, a group led by Te Kooti moved towards Lake Taupō. They came across Ōpepe, which was an empty village at the time.

The Battle of Ōpepe

A group of fourteen soldiers, called the Militia, were camping in the abandoned village. Te Kooti and about 150 of his supporters surprised them. Nine of the Militia soldiers were killed in the fight. Te Kooti's group did not lose any fighters. One soldier managed to escape and was later given the New Zealand Medal for his bravery.

After the Battle

After the skirmish, a military fort was built at Ōpepe in 1869. The settlement grew for several years in the late 1800s.

Ōpepe Today

Today, not much is left of the old settlement. You can find a very small cemetery on the Napier-Taupo road. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage takes care of five graves there.

The Graves at Ōpepe

Two of the graves hold the bodies of the nine soldiers from the Bay of Plenty Cavalry. They were killed by Te Kooti's group on June 7, 1869. The other three graves belong to settlers who lived there later. New Zealand State Highway 5 now passes through the area where Ōpepe once stood.

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