This geocache series is based on the Maketu Historic Hikoi created by the Rotary Club of Maketu
Maketu's Maori history begins over eight centuries ago with the arrival of the first human inhabitants of Aotearoa (New Zealand). And it's shared Maori-Pakeha history begins 250 years ago with the arrival of the first Europeans.
Take a historic hikoi (walk) through Maketu village and experience its rich history while finding eight caches that mark historic points of interest.
This hikoi (walk) is based on a series of seven historic markers that are placed throughout the village, each within walking distance. Each marker presents Maketu's story in detail with images.
6. Okurei
When the Arawa canoe arrived in Maketu, its navigator Tamatekapua is said to have observed the point of land jutting into the bay and, pointing to his nose, proclaimed "Te Kuraetanga o te ihu o Tamatekapua", meaning that all the land behind that point of land belonged to him. Today the site is known by its shortened name "Okurei".
In 1979, the English explorer, Captain James Cook sailed into the Bay of Plenty. As with many New Zealand landmarks, Okurei received a European name when Cook, sighting the large settlement on the point, entered the name "Town Point" in his journal.
Over the centuries, many pa sites and settlements have occupied Okurei. It is also the site of several burial grounds and is wahi tapu (sacred ground).
Hikoi - Continue down Town Point Road to the village centre. Just after you pass the surf club at the bottom of the hill you will see a large stone monument.
Maketu Centennial Memorial
The Centennial Memorial was erected in 1940, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Beside the memorial is one of twelve cannons that belonged to Maketu's most prominent European settler, Phillip Tapsell. He brought them from Sydney to defend his trading station, which was sited on the cliff behind you. Two of the cannons were fired at Tapsell's death. This one, named Haupapa after a Whakaue leader who was a good friend of Tapsell, has remained in Maketu since his death.
Hikoi - You have now returned to the start of your hikoi. The next geocache, Maketu Historic Hikoi - 7, is located near the Historic Marker located on Maketu Road at the entrance to the village. Reaching this cache will involve a 10 minute walk.
This cache is a nano, you'll need a caching tool to remove and replace log, please take care with the log as you replace it. Please place cache in position you found it, thank you.