Manuka was the name of a large Ngāti Māmoe pā that stood at the foot of the hills not far from Tai Tapu.

The pā was situated in a strong defensive position but this proved no hindrance to Ngāi Tahu chief Te Rakiwhakaputa who stormed and captured the pā during his rampage of the Whakaraupō area.

Sources:

• Cowan, James. Māori Folk Tales of the Port Hills, Canterbury, New Zealand, Third Edition, facsimile of First Edition, with index, 1995, Cadsonbury Publications (First Published 1923).