On May 7, 1846, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa village of Te Rapa, situated near the volcanic mountain Kakaramea (1300m) along Lake Taupō, was tragically destroyed by a landslide. The landslide was caused by an unusually wet season that loosened areas on the mountain, resulting in the deaths of sixty people, including the paramount chief Te Heuheu Tukino II.
The landslide also created a debris dam, blocking a stream. Three days later, the dam burst, sending water, trees, rocks, and tons of soil into the lake, burying Te Rapa and leaving only a few survivors.
After this devastating event, the area was declared ‘tapu’, and a new village called Waihi, also known as Little Waihi was eventually built in its place.
Tragically, the new community also faced a similar fate. On the 20th of March, 1910, villagers heard what sounded like cannon fire, followed by another destructive landslide that buried the village in a suffocating cloud of dust. Fortunately, only one person was killed in this event.
Over the years, more than 200 people have lost their lives in three separate landslide disasters at Te Rapa/Waihi. It is said that the wind is right at certain times of the year. You can hear the screams of the villagers, calling out in desperation for help.
There have also been reports of mysterious unknown figures seen wandering the shoreline, staring out into the lake, before disappearing. Hikers trekking the base of the mountain have also made claims of fleetingly seeing people just standing in the deep bush, unmoving and staring off into the distance again. When approached, they simply fade and disappear without a trace.
Are these the spirits of those who died in the landslide tragedies? Some say they still reside, watching over their families and loved ones.
