Maori Rock Art Raincliff, Sth Canterbury, N.Z.
![](images/SHARRY.JPG) Raincliff is situated near the confluence of the Opihi and Opuha Rivers
in in-land South Canterbury. It is rolling hill country with sporadic outcrops of
limestone (karst). This land was originally inhabited by the Waitawa Maori people - the moa hunters.
They sought shelter in caves in the limestone, and decorated the caves with signs of their habitation almost
1000 years ago
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The Taniwha
The most well known of the Opihi Maori Rock art drawing is the Taniwha, situated on the Gould property near Hanging Rock.
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The Opihi Sites, Raincliff, N.Z.
The Opihi drawing comprise six sites within a 5 kilometre radius of the Raincliff Bridge.
They are noted for the depiction of human, bird and taniwha (monster) like creatures.
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The Opihi Sites, Raincliff, N.Z.
It is thought that the moa hunters camped near the river, and rafted their prey
downstream to a settlement near Arowhenua, not far from Temuka and the Opihi's outlet
to the Pacific.
LINKS:
Garry Law's "Picturing the Past"
South Island Maori Rock Art Project
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