Taupiri Maunga

Taupiri Maunga is a sacred burial ground for the Waikato tribes of the Maori people, located in the small town of Taupiri, New Zealand.

The mountain overlooks the town and is a significant landmark in the area. The North Island Main Trunk railway line runs through the town and the gorge, linking Huntly to the north and Ngaruawahia to the south. State Highway 1 also ran through the town until the Huntly Bypass opened in March 2020.

Taupiri Maunga is a significant cultural site for the Maori people, and visitors are encouraged to be respectful of its cultural and spiritual significance. The mountain is considered tapu (sacred), and visitors are asked to refrain from climbing it. The mountain is also home to a number of native plant species, including totara, kahikatea, and rimu.

The town of Taupiri is a small rural settlement, covering an area of 1.73 km2. It is part of the larger Taupiri-Lake Kainui statistical area. The town has a population of approximately 500 people. The area surrounding Taupiri is steeped in Maori history and falls within the rohe (tribal area) of Waikato-Tainui of the Tainui waka confederation. Ngati Mahuta and Ngati Whawhakia are the subtribes in the Huntly area. Huntly is the nearest major town to Taupiri, located approximately 8km to the north. The town has a population of approximately 9,000 people and is steeped in Maori history. Waahi Pa, located in Huntly, was the home of the late Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu and is still the home of her son, the Maori King Tuheitia Paki. The area is also known for its coal mining history and the Huntly Power Station, which is one of the largest thermal power stations in New Zealand.

Overall, Taupiri Maunga and the surrounding area offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Maori culture and history, as well as the natural beauty of the Waikato region.