N27/101 has been described by archaeologists as a 'midden/ovens' site. Middens are places where food remains, fire debris and discarded tools were deposited, and ovens are scatters/groupings of burnt stones and charcoal which indicate the former presence of a cooking oven, not dissimilar to the modern-day 'hangi'. The site is located at the south-western end of Rabbit Island and covers quite an extensive area. The site is visible in discontinuous sections along the estuarine bank, and extends as far as 20 metres inland into the coastal margins of the forestry blocks. The midden generally consists of shellfish (cockle, pipi, mudsnail, mussel and oyster), fishbone and burnt stone mixed in a charcoal rich sand. Stone artefacts such as quartz flakes and a minnow fishing lure (with bone point) have also been found at the site.
Location
List Entry Information
Overview
Detailed List Entry
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
5867
Date Entered
5th May 1985
Date of Effect
5th May 1985
City/District Council
Tasman District
Region
Tasman Region
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes part of the land described as Pt Island No 5 Rabbit Waimea East District (NZ Gazette 1909 p.3312), Nelson Land District and the archaeological site known as Midden/ Ovens (N27/101) thereon, as shown on the location map appended to the notification letters dated 1 May 1985
Legal description
Pt Island No 5 Rabbit Waimea East District (NZ Gazette 1909, p.3312), Nelson Land District
Location Description
N27/101 is located in Forestry Block 1, Part Block 2.3 at the southwestern end of Rabbit Island in the Waimea Inlet. To access the site travel through the centre of Rabbit Island down Redwoods Road and turn left down Faulkners Road to the southwestern tip of the island. The site is visible along the coastal margin.