Weka Pass Historic Reserve- Maori Rock Art & walkway

Weka Pass Historic Reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Maori rock art and hiking.

Located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, it is about a one-hour drive from Christchurch off SH7 towards Culverden. The reserve has two entry points to the walkway - The Star and Garter. Visitors can take a 40-minute walk to a large overhang shelter that features examples of early Maori rock art. The walkway to the rock art is steep and not for the faint-hearted, but the views and the end result are worth the effort. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and take advantage of the rest stop halfway down the Village walkway before venturing up the hill. The fence line and marked posts lead to the drawings. The path is simply a grassy/muddy trail through fields. Visitors should stick with the fenceline up over the top of the hill and down into a valley. The fence is dotted with yellow markers to show visitors they are on the right path.

The reserve is a stunning natural landscape that provides the ideal backdrop for an incredible array of activities for every member of the family. Visitors can also fossick under the forest. The site is also known as Weka Pass Historic Reserve. The reserve is a gorge located in the northern Canterbury region of the South Island. SH7 through the gorge connects the towns of Waipara and Waikari. The Waipara River flows through the gorge. The Maori rock art is located on a limestone outcrop with a large overhang. The site is a 90-minute return walk that takes visitors to the rock art. The town of Waikari features some nice cafés, outdoor picnic tables, a toilet block, and a few other interesting sites. Visitors can find themselves on an old railway formation that used to connect up with the Weka Pass Railway. Halfway along that is an obvious set of signs, a bench, and a stile to cross. From the rock art, it’s an about-face back the way visitors came.

In summary, Weka Pass Historic Reserve is a beautiful and historic site that offers visitors a chance to experience Maori rock art and hiking. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a steep walk to the rock art. The reserve is also a stunning natural landscape that provides the ideal backdrop for an incredible array of activities for every member of the family.