The smooth walls of limestone outcrops in South Canterbury and North Otago provided an ideal canvas for early Māori. Although over two hundred years old, many of the rock drawings in the gully have survived the elements and can be clearly seen.

The "birdman" with five birds on outstretched arms is one of the drawings etched into the smooth walls of this limestone outcrop. Other "birdmen", fish and dog figures are visible.  Like many drawings in the area they were created by early Māori as they moved through the landscape over the past 700 years.  Images are fading or have been obscured by stock rubbing and lichen. 

Facilities at the site were recently upgraded including an interpretation shelter and signage.

Learn more about rock art

A large number of New Zealand's Maori rock art sites lie within a 70 km radius of Timaru.  Pay a visit to the Te Ana Ngai Tahu Rock Art Centre in George Street, Timaru to learn more about these sites and their ongoing care and protection through interactive exhibits and information drawing on Ngai Tahu mythology, traditions and cultural landscapes and practices.  There are opportunities to visit local rock arts sites with knowledgable field guides from Te Ana.