Maori Rock Art

Weka Pass Historic Reserve

Maori Rock Art

Maori Rock Art - Weka Pass

Weka Pass Historic reserve was officially established in 1969. This historic reserve contains early examples of Maori rock art. The drawings, located in a limestone overhang shelter, are thought to have been made by Maori. Maori first explored the Weka Pass area about 1000 years ago. The area was originally forested, and Maori would visit the area on their seasonal round for food gathering. Birds were abundant, and included the now extinct moa, of which remnants have been found in the Pyramid Valley Moa swamp (see separate description). Maori used the large overhanging limestone shelter as a temporary overnight camp. It was during these stays that they drew on the shelter wall, using charcoal from their fires, and red ochre (haematite) often called kokowai. The subjects of their drawings were simple human figures, fish and dogs. Some drawings are more imaginative, or are a little more  than scribbles. The drawings are generally recognized as examples of the art of the Waitaha people, whose descendants survive today despite their ancestors having been absorbed by other tribes of the area, notably Katimamoe and Kaitahu.

A floor to ceiling fence protects the drawings from vandals. But archaeologists, who established the value of the drawings, were the first vandals. In 1929, at the instignation of W.R.B.Oliver, director of the Dominion Museum, some drawings were over painted in red and black house paint to make them more visible. In retrospect this has been seen as a tragedy, as it completely covered up the original figures, destroying forever their scientific and historic value. Although about 50 or so figures were “freshened” with house paint, there remain about 100 figures in their natural state. The untouched figures are very faint, but still visible.

Early Pakeha visitors to North Canterbury – shepherds and farmers – also used the limestone overhang for shelter, for themselves and their stock. They brought the drawings to the attention of scientific investigators, but not before many Pakeha visitors had added their own marks to the shelter walls and ceilings.

Julius Haast, director of the Canterbury Museum, made the first scientific investigation of the rock drawings in 1876.

Weka Pass Historic Reserve is about one hour drive from Christchurch, off state highway 7 towards Culverden / Hanmer Springs.

There are two entry points to the walkway in Waikari – opposite The Star and Garter Hotel in Waikari on SH7 (parking available at hotel), or from Waikari township. A steep walkway crossing private farmland takes you to the rock art site – 40 minutes walking each way and is closed during lambing season from 1 August to 1 October.