Pukawa

western Lake Taupo

Pukawa just off SH41 is at the western edge of Lake Taupo looking directly back to Taupo and Mount Tauhara. A north facing lakeside settlement of houses and holiday homes nestled and set amongst beautiful native trees and shrubs. Pukawa's unique situation and positioning allows great views of the lake amidst native bush abundant in bird life. Its sandy beach is ideal for picnics, barbeques and the swimming is very safe for children. With excellent boat launching facilities and a nearby water ski lane, Pukawa Bay is an excellent holiday spot for the family, fisherman or boatie. The mouth of the Pukawa stream is often very productive for fly fishing, and is best fished with a floating line at change of light or on a dark night.

History

In 1857 at Pukawa Bay, the King movement was established and the title of king was bestowed upon Potatau Te Wherowhero, paramount chief of the Waikato tribes. Te Wherowhero's warrior reputation, his exalted lineage and his widespread tribal connections, qualified him as the Maori people's new figurehead.

Thomas Samuel Grace, missionary, settled in the village of Pukawa and 70 acres was marked out for the mission and was under the mana of Te Heuheu Iwikau. Fencing, clearing and cultivation commenced and the first Raupo (bulrush) mission house was erected. This was lost to fire in May 1856 and a larger two-storied building was erected with a school, cottages and other buildings.