The confusion that followed gave the Ngāti Toa an easy victory. The three pā of Kaikōura Peninsula were destroyed, and it is estimated that of a total population of nearly 2000, more than half were killed and many others taken as prisoners to Kapiti.
The ensuing uncertainty created an opening for the Ngāti Toa to secure a straightforward victory. The three pā on the Kaikōura Peninsula were ravaged, resulting in significant loss of life, with more than half of the population of around 2000 being killed or taken prisoner and sent to Kapiti.