Culture
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"Here you will find over 60 of Canterbury and Kaikoura's best day walks, which will take you to the great outdoors either fossicking in the limestone country of Castle Hill, testing yourself on the arid slopes of the Torlesse Mountains, or exploring the waterfalls and mountains around Arthur's Pass village."
Takiroa - Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art
There are several Maori rock art sites in New Zealand. Below are images from Takiroa, a limestone outcrop which today still holds the art treasures of the Ngai Tahu people from two centuries ago. According to Maori legend, the limestone outcrops were formed by Tamatea-Pokai-Whenua as he roamed the land lighting fires.
Takiroa is located on State Highway 83, two kilometres inland from Duntroon on New Zealand's South Island. Takiroa lies along the path of the Waitaki River on its journey from the mountains to the sea, and was a resting place for tribal people as they made their way across the island. The art is believed to depict taniwha and native wildlife, and there are some, not shown below, of sailings ships and people riding horses.
Several sections of the art have been removed in the past for 'preservation', but Takiroa still provides a tranquil spot for visitors to stop and enjoy a glimpse into New Zealand's indigenous cultural history.
Left, Right, and below: Maori rock art images at Takiroa, near Duntroon, New Zealand.
Below left: The viewing path sits between modern protective metal fencing and a reconstruction of a traditional Maori paling.
Below right: The limestone outcrop that provided shelter to Ngai Tahu people as they moved between the island's inland and coast.
