Famous fighting men, the Waikato chiefs had died bravely, despite the amazement caused by the mystery of firearms.
One had killed four Ngapuhi before he was shot.
Another of Hongi's triumphs was at Rotorua in the Hot Lakes district--the land of the Arawa tribe.

He began by defeating them on the Bay of Plenty, and thence turning inland found the tribe gathered in strength on the green island-hill of Mokoia, encircled by the Rotorua lake.

Hongi's war-canoes were twenty-five miles away on the sea-beach, and the Mokoians ridiculed him as he lay encamped by the edge of their lake, unable to get at them.

Day after day they paddled to within hailing distance and insulted him with yells and gestures.
But the Ngapuhi general was not to be stopped.

Like Mahomet the second, he made his slaves drag their craft overland, and the astonished islanders saw his flotilla sweep across Rotorua bearing the irresistible musketeers.