Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Maori Rock Art Jaunt
Submitted by Fiona
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 6
Gnarl Factor: 19
3.5km
130m
130m
341m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Fiona
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 6
Gnarl Factor: 19
3.5km
130m
130m
341m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Open farmlands
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.6%
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0:50
Slow
0:35
Moderate
0:25
Fast
Start along the Waikari Walkway, do not take the path to the plane table. After around 700m of flat walkway you will see a seat and a sign to the Maori rock art. Turn left and follow the fence line and the yellow markers straight up the hill. At the brow of the hill continue following the fence line down in amongst the limestone rock features and then follow the signs pointing to the right to the overhang with the fence protecting the rock art. Return back the same way.
Māori first explored the Weka Pass area about 1000 years ago. The area was originally forested, and Māori would visit the area on their seasonal round for mahinga kai - food gathering. Birds were abundant, and included the now extinct moa and koreke / quail, as well as weka, kererū, kākā, kiwi in the forest, and a variety of waterfowl and freshwater fish in the streams. Māori 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 kōkōwai. The subjects of their drawings were simple human figures, fish and dogs. Some drawings are more imaginative; others are little more than scribbles.
Lots of parking available on the side of the road or at the public toilets a couple of hundred meters further along the road.
0 km
0 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
No water on the walk but water is available in Waikari
Snow possible in winter, may be closed during lambing from 1 August to 1 October. Sheep, cows or horses may be present.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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The run is just the sideshow. You're seriously missing out if you don't stop off to take in the vistas and rock art on show.
January 8, 2021
Yet more proof that a trail doesn’t have to be long to be awesome. What a wee gem.
November 20, 2020
What a terrific little trail! Straight up and back amongst some stunning landscape and views.
October 3, 2020
Great little jaunt to break the journey and stretch the legs. I'd forgotten how steep that hill was in and out.
May 29, 2020
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