Setting: Pa is situated on the eroded coastal edge of Pleistocene glacial outwash plains. Puramahoi ‘A’ is a naturally defended area on a small isolated plateau immediately west of the Pariwhakaoho River mouth. Archaeological Features: A ditch lies on the north-east-facing ridge leading from the coastal strip to Puramahoi ‘A’ (M25/36). The interior of the pa consists of indistinct terraces lying on a mild slope facing to the north-east; the circumference of the plateau to the west, south and east is ringed with rectangular pits (16 in total). Brailsford (1981:86) has noted ovens 'on the plateau. The coastal strip between the mouth of the Pariwhakaoho River on the lower slopes of this pa, and the lower slopes of .Puramahoi ‘B’ (M25/13), contains 3 sites (M25/37-39) probably continuous in extent, although this cannot be confirmed on present evidence. Supporting Evidence: Date of occupation is not known, although traditions suggest late occupation. This site was probably attacked and defeated by Te Puoho in his 1828 progression through the South Island. M25/39 on the coastal strip below Puramahoi ‘B’ is reported to be a source of many fossicked greenstone artefacts, assumed to be late in date. Assessment: Puramahoi ‘A’ (M25/36) exemplifies the naturally defended pa sites of Golden Bay. Three other examples are known, one of them heavily bulldozed (Te Rangihaeata Headland pa, N25/35). The clear association of the pa with a large volume or horticultural storage is notable. Taken as a complex with Puramahoi "B" pa and the sites of the linking coastal strip the site is the most important earthwork site in Golden Bay.