Rotokura: An Archaeological Site in Tasman Bay

Rotokura, located in Cable Bay on the eastern side of Tasman Bay (see Map 1), is an archaeological site which was occupied periodically at least from the beginning of the fourteenth century. Cable Bay has a reputation of excellent weather and consistently light seas, as is true for Tasman Bay generally. Although the hills are now virtually all cleared of native bush due to the expansion of farmland, it is thought that they were once covered with a variant of the North Island lowland forest, pockets of which are still extant in the area.

A wide range of exploitable resources were available to the prehistoric Maori. The open sea, sheltered bay, tidal flats and streams all provide abundant supplies of fish. Although the complement of species varies from season to season, there would always have been an adequate supply of fish at Cable Bay. The forest would have provided birds, fruits and berries. These resources are also seasonal. No season, however, is marked by a complete absence of resources. The sea also provides sea mammals (seals, sea lions, etc.), the exploitation of which was restricted by the social and breeding habits of each species involved. The Maori also exploited the Polynesian dog for food. In addition to these naturally occurring resources, it is highly probable that the Maori of Cable Bay had access to kumara, since this plant can be grown in the northern part of the South Island. There is, however, no specific evidence available to the author which would associate horticultural activities with Rotokura or Cable Bay. However, more intensive site surveying may locate 'made soils', pits, terraces, stone rows or alignments, or other surface features associated with horticulture in the Cable Bay area. Such evidence is known for D'Urville Island.