Taumutu

Taumutu is one of the places at which Canterbury’s Maori past can be discovered. Lake Ellesmere (te Waihora) an abundant source of eel and flounder was an important source of food for the Maori of the region.

The marae called Ngati Mokiand the historic Hone Wetere Church (1885) both stand on the sites of ancient pa, some of the earthworks of which are still visible.

The historic Taiaroa homestead, Awhitu House, was burnt to the ground in April 2003.