Taupiri, Sacred mountain in Waikato, New Zealand
Taupiri is a mountain that rises 288 meters above sea level at the southern end of the Taupiri Range in the Waikato region. A gorge separates it from the Hakarimata Range to the north.
Te Putu built a fortified settlement on the summit during the 1600s, establishing the mountain as a sacred place after his burial there. This founding as a defensive location shaped the site's enduring importance.
This location serves as a burial ground for Waikato Māori tribes, with deceased Māori kings and queens placed in the upper sections of the cemetery. The site remains spiritually significant to the community today because of this role.
A new bridge from Taupiri township over the Mangawara Stream now provides better access to the burial grounds. Visitors should approach with respect, as this is a sacred site with cultural significance.
Early European visitors were instructed by Māori to cross to the far side of the Waikato River to maintain distance from this sacred location. This practice reflects how important it was to understand boundaries and show cultural respect.
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