Story: New Zealand Wars

The pursuit of Te Kooti

On 10 July 1868, the prophet Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki landed south of Poverty Bay with 298 followers. Four months later he and his followers attacked Matawhero, killing more than 50 people, both Māori and Pākehā. From that moment Te Kooti was a hunted man. Colonial forces and Māori allies pursued him relentlessly until early 1872. This interactive map shows the circuitous journey that Te Kooti and his followers took over that period.

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How to cite this page:

Danny Keenan, 'New Zealand Wars - Pursuit of Te Kooti, 1868–1872', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/36941/the-pursuit-of-te-kooti (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Danny Keenan, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 29 Nov 2022