Traditional History Evidence presented during the hearing of the Awarua Block at Wanganui in 1886 indicates that Te Aputa Pa was originally inhabited by descendents of Ngati Haukaha. Claimant Wi Wheko informed the Court that Te Aputa Pa was first occupied by the ancestors of "Tukokoki i.e. Hirahira and his children and Moeroa and his brother and the descendents of Haukaha. Also by Tami, Te Kata, Whakapiko, Te Rahui. These belonged to Ngati Hauiti". Wi Wheko also stated that Te Aputa Pa was attacked, but not taken. It appears that Te Aputa Pa was built and occupied quite late in prehistory as Wi Wheko and fellow claimant Utiku Potaka spoke of their parents and grandparents living at the pa. Utiku Potaka was born in the late 1830s, which would suggest that his parents and grandparents lived at Te Aputa during the late eighteenth / early nineteenth centuries. European history The farm on which Te Aputa Pa is located has been owned by successive generations of the one family since the late 19th century. The original landowner C.G. Phyn recalled observing the ruins of five whare on Te Aputa Pa around 1896 and in 1965 G.N. Phyn (son of C.G. Phyn) and his two sons accompanied members of the Otaihape Field Group on a site visit to Te Aputa Pa. Photographs and measurements were taken of the key archaeological features and a site record form was submitted to the New Zealand Archaeological Association's Site Recording Scheme in 1967. The family's close association with Te Aputa Pa has continued to this day.

Te Aputa Pa is a fortified pa situated approximately 511metres above sea level at the end of a narrow ridge overlooking the junction of the Mangakukeke Stream and Pourangaki River. The Otaihape Field Group recorded defences at each of the three vertices during a site visit in 1965 and the remains of a ditch (approximately 12 metres wide) and bank are clearly visible today as you approach the pa from along the ridge. The Otaihape Field Group also identified a rectangular pit and possible rua and three carved posts were recorded. Two of the posts had narrowed necks and one was notched. The ruins of five whare were also observed on the pa around 1896 by the landowner, C.G. Phyn. The dense vegetation coverage prevented a comprehensive survey of Te Aputa Pa during a recent site visit but the two carved posts and a kumara pit was located. Several other pit features were also noted and the owner pointed out the former location of the whare ruins. Te Aputa Pa is well-preserved and is currently covered in dense, regenerating native bush. It is not accessible by stock and potential visitor threats are controlled by the remote location, difficulty of access, and through careful management by the owners. The two remaining carved posts are in good condition. One has been placed in a pit to aid preservation.