Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

Once a place of battling and warfare between Ngāti Toa and colonial forces, Battle Hill has luckily experienced much more peaceful times since 1846. 500 hectares make up the rolling hills of the Forest Park where cattle, deer and sheep are farmed, and a range of walking tracks take you through fields and along stream beds.

Keep an eye out for native birds as you explore the terrain—environmental restoration is under way—or if bigger animals are more your thing, this is a fantastic place to bring your horse and explore from up high. A camping area out front means you have every means to stay longer than just a day: pitch a tent and find some peace in the back blocks of Battle Hill in the valley behind Pauatahanui.