Last updated November 2026
Where the Tuamarina River leaves the hills north of Blenheim, a roadside tree and a hilltop cemetery mark one of the most significant events in Marlborough’s past.
The Wairau Affray site and Tuamarina memorials remember the armed clash between New Zealand Company settlers and Ngāti Toa over land in the Wairau valley, the first serious armed conflict between Māori and British settlers after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
An old tītoki tree at a small rest area beside State Highway 1 marks the place where the fighting happened. The site is now Te Arai o Wairau Historic Reserve, held by Ngāti Toa under its Treaty settlement. On the hill above the township, Tuamarina Cemetery holds the memorial to the settlers who died and a South African War memorial.
Practical Information
- Location
- Tuamarina, on State Highway 1 north of Blenheim; the tītoki tree is at a small rest area beside the highway
- Cemetery
- Tuamarina Cemetery, on the hilltop off Cotterill Street (Marlborough District Council)
- Reserve
- Te Arai o Wairau Historic Reserve, vested in the trustee of the Toa Rangatira Trust under the Ngāti Toa Rangatira Treaty settlement
- Distance
- About 10 km from Blenheim city centre in a straight line
- Status
- Check Marlborough District Council’s Tuamarina Cemetery page before you go.
About the Wairau Affray Site
In early 1843 New Zealand Company surveyors began work in the Wairau valley. Ngāti Toa objected that the Wairau had never been sold.
In June that year Te Rauparaha, Te Rangihaeata and other Ngāti Toa leaders removed the surveyors and burned their temporary huts. Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira’s account stresses that the eviction was peaceful and that no surveyor was harmed.
Settlers in Nelson decided to arrest the two chiefs for arson. On 17 June 1843 an armed party of almost 50 Europeans, led by Henry Thompson and the New Zealand Company’s Nelson agent, Captain Arthur Wakefield, reached the Tuamarina Stream. On the other side waited Te Rauparaha, Te Rangihaeata and their people, among them women and children.
Attempts to arrest Te Rauparaha led to confusion, a shot was fired and fighting broke out. Te Rongo, one of Te Rangihaeata’s wives, was killed.
The settlers retreated and many surrendered, including Wakefield and Thompson, and a number of the prisoners were then killed as utu for Te Rongo. In all, 22 Europeans and at least four Māori died. Destination Marlborough gives the Māori toll as nine.
News of the deaths shocked settlers across the country. The new governor, Robert FitzRoy, judged that the settlers had provoked Ngāti Toa and took no action against them.
In its Treaty settlement with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, the Crown acknowledges the conflict at the Tuamarina Stream, and the site was vested in the iwi’s trust as Te Arai o Wairau Historic Reserve. Destination Marlborough notes that Ngāti Toa is acknowledged today as guardian of the site.
A Note on the Name
The event was first called the Wairau Massacre and later the Wairau Affray. Marlborough District Council, Te Ara, Destination Marlborough and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira use Wairau Affray. NZHistory calls it the Wairau incident. Ngāti Toa’s own account appears under the title Te Ārai ō Wairau.
The Memorials at Tuamarina Cemetery
Tuamarina Cemetery sits high on a hillside above the township, looking out over the Wairau basin. Marlborough District Council calls it “Marlborough’s most historic cemetery”.
The memorial to the settlers stands on the hilltop, crowned by a stone cross. It records the names of the 22 Europeans who were killed, and its present inscribed slab dates from 1869. Nearby is a memorial to local people lost in the South African (Boer) War.
From locals
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Is there room to pull off and park at the tītoki tree rest area, and would a campervan fit?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Wairau Affray happen?
At the Tuamarina Stream, Tuamarina, about 10 km north of Blenheim. An old tītoki tree at a small rest area beside State Highway 1 marks the place.
When did it happen?
On 17 June 1843.
Who was involved?
An armed party of almost 50 New Zealand Company settlers from Nelson, and Ngāti Toa led by Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata.
What was the dispute about?
Land in the Wairau valley. The New Zealand Company surveyed it for settlers, while Ngāti Toa said it had never been sold.
How many people died?
22 Europeans and at least four Māori, according to Te Ara, NZHistory and Ngāti Toa. Destination Marlborough gives nine Māori deaths.
Is it called the Wairau Affray or the Wairau incident?
Both. The council, Te Ara and Ngāti Toa use Wairau Affray; NZHistory uses Wairau incident.
What is at Tuamarina Cemetery?
The memorial to the 22 settlers killed, with its present slab from 1869, and a South African War memorial.
Who looks after the site today?
It is Te Arai o Wairau Historic Reserve, vested in Ngāti Toa’s Toa Rangatira Trust under the iwi’s Treaty settlement.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- NZHistory: Wairau incident: a five-page account of the background, the clash and its aftermath.
- Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira: Te Ārai ō Wairau: Ngāti Toa’s account of the Wairau Affray.
- Marlborough District Council: Tuamarina Cemetery: the cemetery, its memorials and links to burial records.