Te Urewera is an area of mostly forested, sparsely populated rugged hill country in the northern Hawke's Bay Region, and some in the eastern Bay of Plenty. Much of it is in the Huiarau, Ikawhenua, and Maungapohatu ranges, and there are also lowland areas in the north. The Waikaremoana and Waikareiti lakes lie in the south-eastern part. It is the rohe (historical home) of Tuhoe tribe, known for their stance on Maori sovereignty. Because of its isolation and dense forest, Te Urewera remained largely untouched by British colonists until the early 20th century. Te Kooti, the Maori leader, found refuge here from his pursuers among Tuhoe, with whom he formed an alliance. Like the King Country at the time, few Pakeha were prepared to risk entering Te Urewera. In the early 20th century Rua Kenana Hepetipa formed a religious community at Maungapohatu.