Takiroa Rock Art Shelter, Waikaura
The Takiroa Rock Art Shelter is an archaeological site in Duntroon, New Zealand, along Highway 83. A limestone bunker on the site contains Mori rock art dating from 1400 to 1900 AD. The shelter is open to the public, and railings have been erected to safeguard the artwork.
Several Maori drawings composed of ocher, bird fat, and charcoal may be found in the Takiroa Historic District. The contents of the shelter may change at any time. Some drawings, such as birds, are perceived as people and animals. European settlers are described in detail, including depictions of horses and ships.
Around 1913, a number of works of art were taken from the rock face for display in the museum's collections. In 1930 and 1964, fences were erected to keep livestock and people from harming the artwork, but these measures were mostly ineffectual. The shelter was designated as a Class II Historic Site by Heritage New Zealand (formerly known as the New Zealand Historic Sites Fund) in 1985. The Kingship delegated management of the refuge to Te Rnanga o Ngai Tahu under the Lord Claims Settlement Act Tahu 1998.
Location: Kurow-Duntroon Road, Waikaura 9494, New Zealand
