Excursion Te ana maori rock art tour at Timaru

Your journey begins at Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre where local Māori guides from the Ngāi Tahu tribe will share their knowledge of the traditional practice of rock drawing, and the history of Māori settlement in the region. A unique interpretive centre, Te Ana 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.

Following your centre visit, travel to Ōpihi to explore the Māori rock art sites in the landscape, and gain an understanding of the lifeways of the people that created them. On a property managed by the local Ngāi Tahu Māori tribe you will have an opportunity to see drawings which document the history of Māori occupation in the area, from the early 'Moa-hunter' period of settlement, through to the time of European arrival. As kaitiaki or guardians of the sites, the Ngāi Tahu tribe has initiated a long-term project to protect and enhance the natural and cultural values on this property. This ecological restoration has begun with over half of native plants and trees already installed in the valley. Te Ana is a nonprofit organisation, with all proceeds from tours being used exclusively for the management of these treasured sites.

Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Te Ana Rock Art Centre, Rock art site in Opihi

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking at times over uneven and steep slopes in places for approximately 1400 metres. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a backpack, weatherproof jacket, bottled water and local currency for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. The coach supply in Timaru is very limited, coaches used are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of larger New Zealand ports.