Redcliffs Cave - Moncks Cave

Canterbury had a long Maori past before Europeans arrived. People were using the Redcliffs Cave, probably as a temporary living place, as long as 500 to 600 years ago. Moa and shellfish were their main food resources and excavations in this and nearby Moncks Cave, the first in the nineteenth century, revealed much about the lives of these first Cantabrians. One of the finds was the outrigger from a waka, in near perfect condition and dated to the 14th century. A plaque at the entrance to the Redcliffs Cave explains its significance. For further insight into the lives of the 'Moa Hunters', see the excellent displays at the Canterbury Museum. The cave was closed to the public permanently in 2017 due to increased risk of rockfalls since the earthquakes.
Excavation works have taken place here at various stages, with many scholars, particularly from the University of Otago, discussing Ancient Maori history via their findings.