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 opportunity for the Ngāti Toa to achieve a decisive victory. The three pā on the Kaikōura Peninsula were annihilated, resulting in the loss of over half of the total population of approximately 2000, with many others being taken captive and transported to Kapiti.