Shag Point - Matakaea

Shag Point or Matakaea, is a fascinating place with a long chain of New Zealand history, dating back to the dinosaurs! Archaeologists uncovered a plesiosaur here, the full skeleton of which is in the Otago Museum. The interesting geology also dates back to prehistoric times, with loads of fossils to be found and some round boulders similar to those at nearby Moeraki. Even human habitation of this area is long and varied, with a Ngai Tahu pa, named Matakaea sited here. The location at the mouth of the Waihemo river took advantage of kaimoana (seafood) opportunities and was also great moa hunting territory until they were wiped out.

The extensive remains of moa and the middens at the Shag River Mouth Moa Hunter Site were excavated haphazardly in the nineteenth century with the first recorded excavations being carried out under Von Haast's direction in 1872. The finds were the subject of debate between von Haast and Professor Hutton of Otago University as to the timing of the deposits. More systematic archaeological investigations in the 1980s suggest that some 100-200 people arrived during the 14th century, with middens and ovens, containing the remains of more than 6000 moa and countless other birds, mammals and fish.

Ngai Tahu hold the place dear and share ownership and management with the Department of Conservation under a special concept called Topuni, enshrined in the Ngai Tahu settlement deed.

Pakeha made their mark on the place in the 18th and 19th century beginning with sealing and whaling, branching into coal mining before the settlement settled into the form it takes today, a few rough shacks near the beach.

Visitors: Not far off State Highway One, but so much to see and do, watching seabirds, or check out the local seal colony but don’t get too close, scan out to sea for Whales and Dolphins, respectfully check out the pa site and urupa (burial grounds), hunt for round boulders (hidden in hills and cliffs) and fossils. Even the seaweed and beach plants are unique and special here if that is your interest. Sunrise is a particularly amazing time for photographers should you be in the area. For weather watchers, an awesome spot to watch the ominous south easterly front roll in but rug up.

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