Galatea, New Zealand
| Galatea | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 Galatea
|
|
| Coordinates: 38°24′42″S 176°44′24″E / 38.41167°S 176.74000°E | |
| Country |
 New Zealand
|
| Region | Bay of Plenty |
| Territorial authority | Whakatāne District |
| Ward | Galatea-Murupara |
Galatea is a settlement in the Whakatane district in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand.
The forested hills and mountains of the Ikawhenua Range and in particular Mount Tawhiuau stand guard on the eastern flank of the Galatea Plains or Basin, an area surrounding the village. To the west, and over the Rangitaiki River stretch the 120,000 acres (490 km2) of the Kaingaroa Forest.
The Southern boundary of the Galatea Plains is the Whirinaki River which descends from The Ureweras and joins the Rangitaiki River below the township of Murupara. A few miles downstream and on the Western side of this trout filled river, Fort Galatea was built, where, from their lofty lookout, the constabularies living there were able to survey the tracks used by the many Māori who passed by on their way from or to the coast near Whakatane.
To the North the Ikawhenuas lower and gradually close in to reach the right hand bank of the Rangitaiki River, leaving only enough room for an access road from the valley over "Snake Hill" to the Rangitaiki Plains.
The coastal area of the Bay of Plenty has been occupied by various tribes of Māori arriving in canoes from the islands of Polynesia. As more canoes arrived, the newcomers either fitted in with the peaceful residents or overcame them. They fished when the season was right, then moved inland to trap pigeons, gather fernroots, and catch eels. At these times they reached Waiohau, Galatea, Murupara and Te Whaiti.
When visits of European trading ships became more common, the Galatea Maori would travel down the river with goods to barter. Flax was their main commodity and axes, spades, hoes and later, guns and clothing were given in return. These people were Ngāti Manawa and their neighbours in the adjoining Urewera forested hills were the Ngāi Tūhoe, or "Children of the Mist", who often raided the Ngāti Manawa and on occasion drove them out of the area.
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Wikipedia