Story: Chatham Islands

Replica Moriori raft

Replica Moriori raft

Having settled the islands by 1500 CE, the Moriori ceased long-distance sea travel but built rafts for inter-island travel, like the replica pictured here. This waka korari (wash-through craft) had a base of kelp and sides of bound reeds. It could partially submerge, which enhanced its stability in rough seas.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: F.004324/03,04,07,08

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How to cite this page:

Rhys Richards, 'Chatham Islands - From first settlement to 1860', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/37789/replica-moriori-raft (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Rhys Richards, updated 1 May 2015