Their farewell to their old dwellings is still a well-known Maori poem.

Joined by a strong contingent of Waitara men under Wi Kingi--to be heard of again as late as 1860--they won their way after many fights, adventures and escapes to their goal at Kapiti.

There Rauparaha obtained the coveted muskets.
Not only did he trade with the visiting ships but he protected a settlement of whalers on his island who did business with him, and whose respect for the craft and subtlety of "Rowbulla" was always great.

Rauparaha set out for Kapiti a year before Hongi sailed for England on his fatal quest.

From his sea-fortress he kept both coasts in fear and turmoil for twenty years.