Maori Rock Art
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Port
Timaru, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
This opportunity to see authentic Māori rock drawings will appeal to those interested in Māori culture, history, anthropology and archeology. More than 500 of New Zealand’s remaining ancient Māori rock art sites lie within 30 minutes’ drive of Timaru. Drawings in red and black decorate the pale surfaces of the limestone outcroppings and boulders lining the region’s braided river valleys. Mythical beings, such as the fearsome taniwha (monster), are pictured alongside stylized human figures, fish, dogs, and long-extinct birds such as the flightless moa and pouākai (giant eagle). Dating back 700 –1,000 years, the drawings provide a rare glimpse into the lives and culture of this country’s early people.
Head to the Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre. Guides from the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe) will share their knowledge. The interpretive center houses eight pieces of Māori rock art removed from sites in the early 1900s, alongside the work of contemporary tribal artists influenced by these ancient designs.
Travel to Ōpihi to explore the Māori rock art sites in the landscape, spanning a timeframe from Māori occupation in the area to European arrival. New elements, such as written language, were incorporated into the artworks; gain an understanding here of the life and times of the people who created them.
Notes:
Tour requires a 15-minute hike (about 1300 yards) over farmland to reach the caves. Terrain includes some steep gradesfor guests to walk down, steps, and uneven surfaces. Strenuous fitness level, so please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability before booking, as the tour cannot wait for those unable to keep up. Not suitable for guests with any mobility issues. Wear light hiking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring a warm jacket on cool or windy days.