Ripapa(Ri-rope, Papa-flat rock) is a 1.5 ha island off the eastern headland of Purau Bay. Over the last 200
years, Ripapa has been used as a natural refuge and defensive position. Kati Mamoe, preceeded Kai Tahu
inhabitation of Ripapa but it was Taununu, a Kai Tahu chief, who realised its significance as a defensive
position. Taununu arrived at Kaiapohia from Kaikoura and was given Ripapa to live on. Taununu and his
hapu(sub-tribe) built a fortified musket pa, which was still visible when a quarantine station was
established in 1879.The early European settlers recognised the defensive worth of Ripapa as a site for
heavy guns. However, its first use was as a quarantine station. The land was set aside in 1857 "for the 
use of the General Government of the said Colony for the purpose of Military Defence".