Old Opepe Township. Central Plateau. New Zealand.
S 38° 46.060 E 176° 12.950
60H E 431875 N 5708713
The Opepe Reserve, in bushland east of Taupo, contains treasures of an old settlement at the site of Opepe township on the old Napier Taupo Road. Now the area has reverted to bush, with walking tracks through the Reserve to view relics from the past.
Waymark Code: WM7H3Z
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 10/26/2009
Views: 9
A walking track is situated on the southern side of SH5. Taking the track to the right from the car park you have the option of walking to a pitsaw pit and returning (20 minutes return) or continuing around the loop. Approximately 20 minutes past the pitsaw pit is an historic water trough and totara fence, relics of the old settlement. As you continue up the track to the site of Opepe township you cross the original Napier Taupo Road. At one time Opepe Township had a hotel, a store and several dwellings. The remains of water wells can still be seen.
On the northern side of SH5 a short walk, a loop track, through dense bush brings you to a clearing with a simple graveyard where members of the Bay of Plenty Cavalry, who died in an engagement with followers of the Maori warrior Te Kooti, were buried. Later, residents of Opepe Township and the Armed Constabulary were also buried there.
This historic site is signposted on the Napier Taupo Highway with a parking area on both sides of the road.
The following signposted Settlement remains can be seen by following the walking tracks:
House ruins, Totara fence, Water troughs, Pitsaw, graves.
Terrain: 
Parking: S 38° 46.025 E 176° 13.035
Recommended access: S 38° 46.025 E 176° 13.035
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Visit Instructions:
- At least one own photo of the place is required.