Rangatata Traffic Bridge. From the album: Scenes of New Zealand, circa 1880, Timaru, by Messrs. F. Bradley & Co. Te Papa (O.042416)

South Canterbury’s northern and southern boundaries were large, snow-fed rivers Waitaki and Rangitata that were difficult for early travellers to cross. Travelling by sea was easier.

1838 First mention of Timaru that we know of occurs in the journal of Octavius Harwood, who was foreman and clerk at Weller Brothers' whaling station at Otago.

The journal, which is preserved in the Hocken Library in Dunedin, commences on April 24, 1838.

""March, Thu. 28th. Schooner D.P. sailed for "March, Thu. 28th. Schooner D.P. sailed for Temurdu with Brown's gang on board-shipped two natives, Tomahawk and Rootie, for Brown's gang-issuedclothes for same. . ."forth, a 25,000 acre block at Otipua.

Mōkihi are among the few human-made objects to be depicted in southern rock art. Mōkihi display at Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre.

A 4m long sea saw that you can walk across was designed as a nod to the mokihi