Chance to go fishing for Maori culture

This historic stone fish trap will feature in a hands-on holiday programme run by the Historic Places Trust.

Kids looking for something different to do these holidays can try their hand at fishing - not with a line but with a stone fish trap built by Maori 150 years ago.

The Historic Places Trust is organising the live archaeological experience at Quince's Landing, 10 minutes' drive from Kerikeri, on January 14.

Trust staff will use an archaeological stone fish trap in the Kerikeri Inlet to demonstrate how Maori in the area used to catch fish.

While participants in Te Ika Hari Raumati (Happy Summer Fishing) are waiting for fish to swim into the stone enclosure, they will be able to learn traditional skills, such as making a knife out of obsidian to cut and scale the fish, and cooking with an open fire.

Northland Maori heritage adviser Atareiria Heihei said a similar event last year had a great turnout.

"This is a really good opportunity for young people in particular to engage with archaeology and Maori heritage in a fun, hands-on way," she said.

"We'll be carefully using an existing stone fish trap, which we believe is well over 150 years old, to show people how they worked, while also giving them a taste of this particular aspect of Maori heritage."

Participants would learn how the fish trap was constructed, how it worked and (hopefully) how effective it was.

"Last year we caught a good number of fish using it. We'll be looking to repeat that result," she said.

The free event will start at noon and run until about 2.30pm, followed by a short tour of the nearby Edmond's ruins.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling the trust's Northland office on (09) 407 0473 or emailing bjamieson@historic.org.nz. Numbers are limited to 30. Children must be accompanied by an adult and bring old clothes, suitable shoes (rock hoppers or gumboots) and sunscreen. It will be signposted from Wharau Rd, off Kerikeri Inlet Rd.