Otatara Pa is one of the largest and most ancient Maori pa sites in the Hawke's Bay. It is significant for its immense size and for the large number of terraced dwelling sites and food pits. Remnant earthworks of many of these are still evident today. Otatara Pa Historic Reserve is a site of significance to iwi throughout New Zealand as the place from which Ngati Kahungunu spread through and beyond Hawke's Bay.