Oika, a pā of the period 1865-68 in South Taranaki

This pā is on the edge of the high terrace landform on the south side of the Whenuakura River (to the left) and just above the state highway (below the viewpoint). The view is to the west. The use of regular traverses in the perimeter rifle trench was designed to prevent enfilading fire (fire along the length of the trench). The use of traverses on the lefthand side of the pā is problematic since the site does not appear to be commanded from outside on this line. The traverses in the trenches would nevertheless have some value if the attackers had been able to enter the pā. The defensive perimeter is about 50 m long by 20 m across.