Tapuaeharuru Redoubt, Magazine Building

A fort was built in 1870 for the Armed Constabulary to defend against Te Kooti (although not born a Chief, Te Kooti was a descendant of some of the first leaders of the first Waka to travel to New Zealand’s shores; he grew to lead a very successful strategic campaign against the Government and its leading forces, throughout his siege Te Kooti’s manifestations were born out of his claim for justice). A vital position for crossing the Waikato River at its outflow from Lake Taupo was also defended by the fort. The fort, courthouse and hall were built on the opposite side of the river to the Ngati Tuwharetoa Pa at Nukuhau; this was abandoned along with the Armed Constabulary in 1885, due to the lack of skirmishes in the area. The Pumice Magazine building found within the fort was erected in 1874 to house their weaponry. By 1877 the last of the major structures in the colonial township had been constructed, these last buildings were the courthouse and the hall. By 1964 the Courthouse was under the control of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, the 1960’s saw the Magazine building restored and listed as a historic reserve. The Redoubt has a long and fascinating history of its usage, and to this day the courthouse is being used as a Kohanga Reo (a full immersion pre-school of Maori language and culture). Travel Guide New Zealand proudly presents this listing to you. Hopefully, when you visit Taupo and are looking for places to visit you will consider Tapuaeharuru Redoubt, Magazine Building. And if you do decide to visit Tapuaeharuru Redoubt, Magazine Building remember to come back to Travel Guide and share your experience.