We're all familiar with the "sleeping giant" story attached to Te Mata Peak but there are many points of history and untold stories behind the famous landmark which make it one of Hawke's Bay's hidden gems.
The challenge of revealing some of those stories has been taken up by Waimarama kaumatua Robert MacDonald, who heads Waimarama Maori Tours.
The Maori tourism operator is well known for its recreation of the Hakikino Pa. Mr MacDonald was asked if the Pa and its people had a connection with Te Mata Peak which could add interest for visitors.
"We believe there were three distinct groups of people who occupied the area of the [Heretaunga] plains," he said. "One of them was Rangitane which became the dominant tribe and us at Waimarama, we were part of it. Hakikino was a Rangitane fortress."
It's during this period between 1300 and 1550 that the legend of Waimarama chief Te Mata was recorded.