Tāmaki Makaurau

Tāmaki Makaurau lies on an isthmus between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours. Its volcanic hills supported fortified pā, while canoe routes and portages linked the two coasts. Several iwi made their homes here, including Wai-o-Hua and later Ngāti Whātua. In 1821 Ngāpuhi attacks devastated Ngāti Pāoa settlements, and many inhabitants left the isthmus during the ensuing warfare.