Life at No.22, Snapshots of Tauranga

Snapshots of Tauranga #57 – Monmouth Redoubt

Suzanne

Our tallish rectangular home is situated in a historic part of Tauranga, known as the Te Papa Peninsula, at the northern end of The Strand overlooking the harbour. Recently, I’ve realised that I haven’t mentioned much about what’s around the nooks and crannies of our relatively short history here in Tauranga.

So, how about I start with one end of our road, literally opposite the Police Station, which is rather ironic.

The following information is a brief overview, as this is a significant piece of land for Māori and Pakeha alike. For more information, click here

Ōtamataha Pā – Monmouth Redoubt

That piece of land, now known as Monmouth Redoubt (restored in 2025), was once a strategic defensive position atop of our sea cliff; the high ground at the northern end of the Te Papa peninsula was part of the populous Ōtamataha Pā was occupied and rebuilt by the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot in January 1864, after they arrived in Tauranga following service in Calcutta, India.

In 1867 the site became the headquarters of the Armed Constabulary, and in 1886 was transferred to the police. By 1898, the Tauranga Borough Council had taken over the land and converted it for reserve use.

As it looks today – August 2026

Leaving home and heading down to the harbourside, or turn left to walk around the newly restored Monmouth Redoubt.
Let’s have a wander around Monmouth Redoubt before heading down the hill.
One of the cannons, four Armstrong guns, similar to those used during the 1864 Battle of Gate Pā Pukehinahina, was donated to the Tauranga Borough Council when it took over the site in 1898.
One gun was loaned to the National Army Museum at Waiouru, and others deposited with the Tauranga Heritage Collection. In 1990, the trenches were restored as part of a sesquicentennial project.

The redoubt was also a refuge for women and children should war break out. The Elms (another historic site in our area where I was a guide, did have a secret hiding place under the library’s floor, dug deep enough to hold a few, though it was never used for protection during battles.

Down the hill, looking back towards Monmouth Redoubt, and to the left is the Tauranga Bond Store; this is the oldest remaining commercial building (1883) in Tauranga.

I’ve included the image below to demonstrate the changes. Where the grass is now forms a turnaround area for cars, and a short distance away is a shelter for a historic canoe that, unfortunately, hasn’t been put back. Look closely, and you can see a small part of Mauao to your right in the image; nowadays, this is no longer possible due to buildings, a bridge, and the ever-growing Tauranga Port.

Monmouth Redoubt, Tauranga – Undated postcard by RJ Re dell. Collection of Justine Neal – Archive Photo
Another older view of the Monmouth Redoubt, showing trenches, c. 1910s. Intersection of Monmouth Street (left) and Cliff Road (right). Archive Photo.
Preferring to use the leafy path and a few steps up the hill and home past Monmouth Redoubt
The newly built walkway to preserve the walls of Monmouth Redoubt (to the left of the image and to the right overlooking Tauranga Harbour)
Then through the small reserve of trees before the Rose Gardens in Robbins Park.
Rose Gardens – Robbins Park. Roses all pruned in preparation for their spring growth.

There is chatter, as always, that this land has been returned to local iwi for the construction of a cultural facility. Which I find understandable, though we shall wait and see how that develops, if at all.

Cover photo: Harbour view from new walkway beside Monmouth Redoubt

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Published by Suzanne

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20 thoughts on “Snapshots of Tauranga #57 – Monmouth Redoubt”

    1. Jo, for the amount of land we don’t have a large population compared to most countries, a good thing for a laid back environment and not so great for our economy. Can’t have everything perfect.

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    1. Perhaps very similar though very sparse in population compared to places like London or port cities. I would imagine for the entrepreneurial types it would’ve been paved in gold. From what I’ve read it was brutal bush to live in for those women who came over to wed those pioneering men who wanted to farm.

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