WELCOME - HAEREMAI

Free independent travellers seek authenticity in their travel experiences.

Modern New Zealand values its history and cultural heritage. It has cities which are world class in their liveability, national parks of stunning beauty, a diverse productive and green countryside. It has many protected sites from its historic heritage.

Maori, the first New Zealanders, found their own unique way of living here and after first seeking to accommodate the pressure of colonialism, many then confronted it and lost the resulting wars. New Zealand has moved from mono-cultural domination to accepting and then celebrating diversity. Maori have moved from having little influence outside their own affairs to a fuller share in the nation's wealth and a role in its decision making.

Colonial exploitation of minerals, of the ability to transform the land to exotic pasture and forests, of abundant water and energy and of remoteness from other nations have all left legacies. Under-valuing of energy, water and rights of waste disposal have consequences of excessive use and waste and are matters modern New Zealand is treating seriously as it seeks a sustainable future. 

A remote and rugged country has challenges for transport of people and goods. There is a record of endeavour in shipping, railways and air transport.

Much of this experience of modern New Zealand that a traveller can experience finds expression in the physical historical remains of the past - its archaeology. The past can validate the authenticity of experience of the present. Historic heritage is an important part of "Brand New Zealand".

Just a tour of archaeological sites? - of course not - but include a few, chosen around your interests.

Why visit archaeological sites? - Its the closest we can come to time travel, travelling in both space and time. It exposes other ways of being human in a landscape which may have a modern use that is familiar and less remarkable. And it often takes one away from the common tourist destinations, to where happenchance delivers cultural experiences of today's world that become stand-out experiences for a traveller.

This listing is arranged around the regions on the map. The map regions are hot-point linked to the list.

Unless specifically noted the sites are normally open to the public, but there may be exceptions for particular events or site maintenance or restoration work. 

There are many more archaeological sites in New Zealand than listed here. 

We have not covered shipwreck sites. 

Where we mention travel times they are by car. 

At most places only a modest level of fitness is required to see the site. Where more vigour is required it is flagged. Virtually none have paved paths to wheelchair standard. 

Our 'other recommended activities' are a sample only. There will be an entry charge for most of these.

Our star system - based on visitor experience rather than purely archaeological significance.

	Not to be missed - world class.
	Worth the effort, classic New Zealand sites.
	If you have more time these will give you some more variety.

There are many more historical things to visit than have been listed here. Where there are primarily standing buildings or structures still serving their original purpose they have not been included on this website. This is not to say they are not historic or valuable,  or even that they cannot be investigated archaeologically, but just they are not commonly thought of as archaeological sites.

NELSON

(More coming - come back soon)

Dun Mountain Railway

Aniseed Valley Smelter

Kawatiri Railway Walkway

What:  Railway tunnel, bridge, platforms. Near the southern end of the ill-fated Nelson railway - part of the Midland Railway which proved beyond the means of its investors. Abandoned 1931. Interpreted. Where: On the Buller River south of Nelson Web Info: How to get there: SH 4. 97 km from Nelson. Carpark at station beside road. How long to allow: 20 minutes for local features. There is lots more to be seen of the railway between here and Nelson. What else to do there: Rest of the walkway - the Buller area is magnificent forested country.

Guides:

Stepping Back, Exploring South Island History. Mark Pickering, 1998, Shoal Bay Press.

Marlborough

Karaka Point Pa, Picton

WEST COAST

(Coming - come back soon)

Denniston Incline

Waimangaroa. 15 km from Westport on the north road Conns Creek Road. 

Brunner SH 7 east of Greymouth

Foundations Seddon's House

Guides:

Stepping Back, Exploring South Island History. Mark Pickering, 1998, Shoal Bay Press.