Our region's human history began with the arrival of early Maori settlers perhaps 800 years ago. The changes over time and how local Maori lived in the region are shown in our Takata Whenua exhibition area. Here visitors can learn about mahika kai, the seasonal food-gathering cycle which enabled local people to best use the resources of our land.

The South Canterbury Museum's Maori collections include extensive archaeological material found at a number of local sites as well as some early textile and craft items.