Judith and I visited Otatara Pa Historic Reserve near Taradale the other day and what a fascinating place it is. This is actually the site of two pa (Maori fortified settlement sites), Hikorangi (the upper pa) and Otatara (the lower pa) and the whole historic site extends to about 40 ha with a lovely circular walk and some amazing views out over The Bay. It’s only about a 20 minute drive from Gallery Cottage and close to a great art and craft shop called Two Crafts (www.twocrafts.com) and the Silky Oak (www.silkyoakchocs.co.nz) cafe for that reviving cuppa.