There is one warrior of the past who was likened to the great Whakataupotiki of Hawaiki.

Tuhoromatakaka is the small whare puni standing in the heart of Te Whakarewarewa.

In 1822, Hongi Hika raised a large war party intending to move through the North Island.

Korowhakatupua is a mokai who had her kāinga on the shores of the Utuhina River.

Kirimatao Te Tautahi was another prominent woman from Te Arawa’s past.

Heeni Te Kirikaramu was a descendant of Ngati Uenukukopako and Te Rangiteaorere.

The place was so named by the distant ancestor Ihenga.

Uhia was the war chief of the Urewera.

Travel by foot from the depths of Te Urewera alone is a superhuman undertaking.

Te Purewa had the strength to cleanse his land of wrongful deeds.

This time with the support of Ngāti Pikiao and a handful of fighters from Te Urewera.

Battle of Te Ariki fought at Tarawera during the years 1853 and 1854.

The woven net needs to be strong to trap the children of Tangaroa.

Elders have frequently told the story about a long-ago ancestor, Taramainuku.

“You say I am too old. Behold me dance."

Te Mapou pā was an ancient pā site that overlooked Te Rotoiti.

Maketu has long been synonymous with the descendants of Te Arawa.

Where the present St Faiths Church stands today is a humble piece of land called Muruika.

Ancient battle site at Pukeroa, where Rotorua Hospital stands.

Lovers Tatai and Toahaere secluded themselves at Waikuta.

Torekāhe speedily raised an armed force of 170 men.

The site was captured on one occasion in a remarkable fashion.

“How good is the work of the ant".

As we move into April, we see Vega rising in the morning.

It usually appeared to the people only as a harbinger of misfortune or death.

Sister of chief Te Rangikauariro was married to the famous warrior Te Arakau.

The warrior’s spear can be evaded, but not the thrust of words.

Te Koutu has a long history that stretches back to the time of Tuhoromatakaka.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Tamatekapua is famous for his skill, agility and boldness.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: A number of key ingredients are necessary for a love story.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: The site of the Government Gardens is rich with history.

Wāhiao is associated with the village that sits beneath the ridge of Tuturu and Pohaturoa.

Apumoana made his home at Rotokakahi.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Famous Arawa warrior chief Rangitihi had eight children by four wives.

Te Arawa ancestors carried many tangible gifts from Hāwaiki Tawhitiareare.

Oruareimokoroa was a stronghold that stood bravely to the west of Rotorua.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: The community of Ngongotahā is an area rich in history.

If you travel towards Horohoro you will notice a sizeable conical hill standing watch.

A whanau affair, from kohungahunga to koeke getting active around the streets of Koutu.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Giants once abounded in Waiariki district.

Te Wharau o Iroiro, the name of the tree, was transferred to the vessel itself.

Ōkareka was a site that was once rich with kumara cultivations that fed many sub-tribes.

When Kupe and Ngahue had successfully secured the pounamu, they returned to Hawaiki.

At the eastern end of Te Rotoehu once stood a great stronghold called Waipuia.

Near the western end of Lake Rotoiti lies a small island.

Uenukukopako, a leading chief of the Waiariki region, lived on Mokoia Island.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Parewaero noticed an unfamiliar war vessel heading towards her.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: The famous citadel of Te Koutu stands at the north end of the lake.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Gardening dates back to when humans decided to plant seeds.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Tamatekapua was one of the most audacious chiefs of the Arawa people.

Numerous stories about what unfolded upon the waka coasting along the shoreline.

Tiki was one of four prominent carved gateways that once protected Ohinemutu.

Whakaturia is the name of the dining room that serves Tamatekapua meeting house.

The defeat of Te Tumu was still warm in the minds of the attackers.

The authentic site of Te Tumu is still debated.

Ngai Te Rangi once successfully occupied this stretch of land.

It's told three opportunities presented themself to Tūhourangi warning of the eruption.

Motutawa Island sits in the bay of Okawa, located north of the Rotorua township.

Ohoukākā is a grand old pā site on the northern side of Lake Te Rotoiti.

Many such sandstone working blocks are found throughout the Central North Island.

Ihenga knew that Potakatawhitinui had come across a body of water.

He made discoveries and was constantly challenged by great difficulties.

"I was always interested in the ngāhere even as a kid."

To the west of Rotorua township lies the old battlefield named Mataipuku.

Ngaoho was a brother in law of the fighting chief Te Takinga.

Te Rangi i totongia ai te ihu o Tamatekapua is its full name.

It was an area once renowned for its abundance of trees and birdlife.

The island Motu-a-tara lies in the central-southern part of Lake Rotomā.

Kataore once lived in Lake Tikitapu/Blue Lake.

Rangitihi - Carved and- sculpted by Rakei Kingi.

The sisters of Ngatoroirangi sent geothermal activity to warm their brother on Tongariro.

Iriirikapua is a significant rock still found on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua.

The Tītoki tree is a beacon of endurance and persistence.

The struggle for supremacy lasted a full day, with many attempts to repel the invaders.

"With the morning sun we will attack."

Women formed an integral part of large war parties.

A NgaPuhi warrior engraved the word "TOA" in to a rock on Hongi's Track.

Back story of the dreadful slaughter of Te Arawa hapu that took place on Mokoia Island.