The Opotaka kainga (settlement) sat on the edge of Lake Rotoaira and was one of a series of similar villages on the lake edge. Opotaka was surrounded by swamp on three sides, and by Lake Rotoaira on the other. Artefacts found at Opotaka confirm that it was probably occupied around the 1820s-1840s, when Maori and Europeans first had contact with each other in the area, and include both traditional artefacts such as obsidian and stone adzes, as well as metal tools.

It was here that the great warrior and Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha, performed the now famous Ka Mate haka for the first time.

During a period of imminent conflict, Te Rauparaha journeyed from Kawhia to seek alliances with other tribes. When he arrived in Taupō he was told by Te Heu Heu, the Paramount Chief of Tūwharetoa that he was being pursued by a war party who were seeking revenge. Te Heu Heu directed Te Rauparaha to Lake Rotoaira to seek protection from his relative Te Wharerangi.