Hāpūpū / J M Barker National Historic Reserve
Hāpūpū
One of only two national historic reserves in New Zealand, preserving Moriori tree carvings in the forest.
Located in the Karaka Grove in the northeast of Chatham Island, the reserve preserves human figures carved by the Moriori on tree trunks, known as rākau momori. They are believed to commemorate the dead and are among the most precious remnants of Moriori culture. The reserve has short wooden boardwalks and interpretive signs. The carvings are fragile, and touching them is strictly forbidden. The site requires a car or a local guided tour and is about 40 minutes' drive from Waitangi. Some sections are gravel roads. It is best to have a Moriori Trust representative or a local guide explain the background.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Te Whanga Lagoon
- Point Munning Seal Colony
- Moriori Rock Carvings, Te Whanga Lagoon
- Henga Scenic Reserve
- Nīkau Bush Conservation Area
- Kōpinga Marae
- Tommy Solomon Statue
- Waitangi