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The site of the large Alexandra East redoubt (often called the East Pirongia redoubt) in the Waikato occupies a flat grassed area on a slight rise overlooking the Waipa River, part of a new subdivision at Pirongia.
During the New Zealand Wars the 2nd Waikato Regiment established the short-lived redoubt, built for 300 men, in June 1864. In addition to the officers’ and soldiers’ huts and tents within the redoubt, there was a large commissariat store and hospital building nearby, and some structures near the river landing between the two redoubts.
Kihikihi was also a base of the Waikato 2nd Militia.
The Militia was disbanded in 1867 and replaced by the Armed Constabulary.
In 1896 the name Alexandra was changed to Pirongia to avoid confusion with the Central Otago town.