On a clear South Canterbury afternoon, we set off on a little historical wander to one of the lesser-known but fascinating heritage sites near Pleasant Point, the Taiko Monument. The reserve, quietly nestled in rolling rural landscape, marks a legendary event in New Zealand’s colonial history involving sheep theft, Māori shepherds, and the man whose name was later given to the Mackenzie Country.
The commemorative plaque reads:
NEAR THIS SITE ON 1st MARCH 1855, 1000 SHEEP WERE STOLEN FROM THE RHODES BROTHERS OF LEVELS STATION
LEVELS OVERSEER JHC SIDEBOTTOM TOGETHER WITH MAORI SHEPHERDS, TAIKO TOREPE AND SEVENTEEN FOLLOWED TRACKS FINDING THE SHEEP THREE DAYS LATER IN THE CARE OF JAMES MACKENZIE 50km WEST OF HERE IN THE PASS THAT NOW BEARS HIS NAME
THIS IS A PLEASANT POINT LIONS CLUB PROJECT
Standing beside the monument, with the wind whipping through the tussock and a few sheep in the distance, it is easy to imagine the shepherds tracking their flock across rough country.
We packed a picnic of sandwiches, ginger slice, and a flask of tea. After exploring the monument, we found a neat spot to sit near the monument in the reserve, which was set aside to honour Taiko Torepe and those who assisted in recovering the stolen sheep. The area is unmarked and unfenced, and the simplicity of the setting invites reflection.
While exploring, we discovered a geo-cache hidden under a clump of flax and rocks. Inside the small container were some unusual items, including toy spiders, a New Zealand one-cent coin, and a small glass jar holding a bird skull. We signed the logbook, where one entry read, “The MacKenzie Bandit – returned to the scene.”
Looking for Free Fun?
Did you know we have a WuHoo Pareora Trail on our website? Give these challenges a try as you explore the area:
What is on the memorial at Holme Station Saleyards
Can you find fossils and interesting rocks at the Pareora River
Walk to the dam, do you know why it was built
Listen for native birds at Claremont Bush, what is the view like
See an important Māori Rock Art site, which images are here
Note: Moa Valley is not accessible between August and September
Take a breather at the Peace Walk, can you find art and familiar names
Can you spot an old limestone kiln
Did you know there are 34 routes up Mt Horrible, is that volcanic rock you can see
How many bones are on display at Whalebone Corner
Can you find the information sign at Taiko Hall, why is this special
See who the Mackenzie Memorial is for, where does the name Taiko come from
You can find the full trail on our website
Please note, at the time of writing, the Frenchman's Gully rock art site was closed due to fallen trees
Why This Visit Matters
The Taiko Monument is part of a wider story that includes Māori knowledge of the land, the complexities of early farming ventures, and the naming of places we still use today. Visiting the reserve is an opportunity to explore and to reflect. Go for a walk, picnic, or geo-cache hunt to find stories of the past's people and place.