OOne of five groups of Chatham dendroglyphs is Lake Kairae dendroglyphs.

During the review and counting in November – December 1998 (1) here were found 16 trees with 22 carvings. Researchers though were not convinced that they found all trees – there might be more.

Lake Kairae nature reserve area was fenced to prevent grazing in the late 1970s – early 1980s.

Main article about Chatham Island dendroglyphs with more information: Hapupu dendroglyphs.

Lake Kairae dendroglyphs on the map

Location, GPS coordinates:	43.8562 S 176.4129 W
Categories:	Prehistoric and ancient inscriptions
Values:	Archaeology
Rating:
Where is located?	Australia and Oceania, Polynesia, New Zealand, Chatham Islands, north – east Rehoa, forest between Te Whanga Lagoon and Lake Kairae

Wonders of Chatham Islands

Like many remote islands of the Pacific ocean, Chatham islands are endowed with many unique species of plants and animals. But the greatest international acclaim have acquired unique monuments of culture – dendroglyphs which were created by Moriori people in the 16th – 19th centuries. Mysterious dendroglyphs as well as some petroglyph sites serve as a testimony of this interesting culture.

Recommended books

Where the Rekohu Bone Sings

From the Chatham Islands/ Rekohu to London, from 1835 to the 21st century, this quietly powerful and compelling novel confronts the complexity of being Moriori, Maori and Pakeha. In the 1880s, Mere yearns for independence. Iraia wants the same but, as the descendant of a slave, such things are hardly conceivable. One summer, they notice their friendship has changed, but if they are ever to experience freedom they will need to leave their home in the Queen Charlotte Sounds.

Chatham Islands: Heritage and Conservation

Revised and expanded to include up-to-date information, this new edition describes the Chatham Islands with emphasis on their geology, flora, fauna, habitats, and extinct and endangered species on land, in freshwater, and in the sea. Beginning with an introduction to the human history of the islands, this guide enumerates the many reserves and covenants that have been established to protect and conserve the islands’ heritage.