Rotoaira & Motupoi Pa

Tu Tangata, Issue 34, 1 February 1987, Page 30

Rotoaira & Motupoi Pa

In this view of Rotoaira at Motupoi Pa by G.F. Angas, the tapu mountain of Tongariro can be seen across the lake.

Rotoaira at the foot of Tongariro was an important landmark for parties travelling up the Whanganui River and then heading overland to Taupo. From where the Whanganui was left, 2Vz days bush travel would see a party at Rotoaira. When E.J. Wakefield did this journey it took him 10 days due to a

combination of wet weather and difficulties in motivating his guides to make steady progress. Many a European traveller experienced this problem of slow progress. Part of the trouble lay with the heavy loads carried. Times had also changed and fern root no longer sufficed. From the journals of early travellers, potatoes were standard fare on these journeys. Today in the ranges, no tramping party would encumber themselves with un-

processed potatoes which are weighty and bulky because of their high water content. Pakeha travellers also had to include in their loads ample supplies of tobacco for gifts to dignataries met along the way and also as payment for their guides’ services. Many a Pakeha was also unaware that venturing into another tribal area could give rise to apprehension in the Maori engaged to act as guides and carriers of the party’s gear and gifts.