The New Zealand Transport Agency and Waikato-Tainui have unveiled plans today for the symbolic restoration of the Rangiriri Pa site.

The $750,000 restoration project will involve removing the old disused State Highway 1, to reveal the footprint left in 1863 during the Waikato invasion in the New Zealand land wars.

Waikato-Tainui initially began working with the Transport Agency in 2009 to restore the site after it was severed by SH1 in the early 1960s.

Waikato and Bay of Plenty Director Parekawhia McLean said they have worked closely to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the site, not only for iwi but for all New Zealanders.

The work is expected to be completed by 2017.