Our takiwā
Wairewa Rūnanga is one of the 18 Papatipu Rūnaka of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and is the administrative council and representative of the hapū of Kāti Irakehu and Kāti Makō.

The takiwā of Wairewa Rūnanga, as expressed in the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (Declaration of Membership) Order 2001: “centres on Wairewa and the catchment of the lake Te [Roto o] Wairewa and the hills and coast to the adjoining takiwā of Koukourarata, Ōnuku and Taumutu”

Kaitōrete Spit - Poranui/Birdlings Flat
Kaitōrete Spit is a highly significant area for Kāi Tahu, having a long-history of settlement, migration and occupation. The spit contains numerous archaeological sites, middens, mahika kai and habitation sites stretching from the mouth of Te Waihora in the south, to Poranui (Birdlings Flat) in the north.

These sites are largely associated with mahika kai utilising the resources of both Te Waihora and the adjacent coastal area. Kaitōrete Spit is also part of the coastline known as Kā Poupou o Te Rakihouia, which is associated with Waitaha migration and settlement, led by Rākaihautū.

Puha ki Waipuna – Summits
Puha ki Waipuna extends along a range connecting five significant/named peaks and features which overlook Wairewa, as well as connecting Wairewa (Lake Forsyth) to Koukourarata (Port Levy); Wakaroa (Pigeon Bay) and Akaroa. This includes Puha (French Hill); Te Ūkura Tarawera (Mt Sinclair); Hikuika (Mt Fitzgerald) and Waipuna.

Ōnawe
A pā that was used only for times of tension situated on the volcanic plug in the center of Akaroa Harbour. Was sacked by Te Rauparaha during the Brig Elizabeth incident in the 1830s. Is now a formal reserve.

Waikākahi
Perhaps one of the biggest pā in New Zealand, records show it hosted up to 3000 people at a point in time. Established by Tūtekawa and located on the Kaituna, along the edge of Te Waihora.

Te Mata Hāpuku
Headland overlooking the mouth of Te Roto o Wairewa – northern end of Kaitōrete

Ōruaka
Ōruaka pā is located at the outlet of Te Roto o Wairewa / Lake Forsyth), near Poranui / Birdlings Flat on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū / Banks Peninsula. Ōruaka pā and its associated features of Ōtokotoko, Poutāiki, Te Ana o Koko, and the neighbouring pā of Kutu piri, are recognised as wāhi tapu (sacred places), particularly associated with the battles surrounding the Kai Huāka feud. The pā of Ōtūkākau is also associated with Ōruaka.