Story: Coastal shoreline

Archaeological coastal gardens, Pukaroro

Archaeological coastal gardens, Pukaroro

Some of New Zealand’s first gardens date from the 14th century. Māori modified the soil by adding gravel, shell and ash, a technique that increased soil fertility and water retention. Visible in this garden complex at Pukaroro, on the south-east Wairarapa coast, are stone rows to shelter plants and storage pits for harvested kūmara (sweet potato).

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10051768
Photograph by Kevin Jones

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Coastal shoreline - Sand dunes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4832/archaeological-coastal-gardens-pukaroro (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006