Discovery of Monck's Cave during road construction

This road looks pretty ordinary now, but back in 1889, its construction led to a pretty big discovery: Monck's Cave.

The cave was found on the property of Mr. G. J. Monck, and it was quite a find. Inside, they discovered human remains – specifically, portions of three skeletons. One of the skeletons was of a child.

Along with the bones, there were a number of artifacts. They found a comb, which was described as being small. There were also pieces of a calabash, a type of gourd used for containers. Some fragments of a fishing net were also present, suggesting activities that took place here. Stone implements were found, though the text doesn't specify what kind. And there were several pieces of moa eggshell. The moa, of course, being that large, now-extinct bird.

What's really interesting is how the cave was described. It was a small cave, and its entrance was covered by a large slab of rock. This rock had fallen, effectively sealing the cave. The floor of the cave was covered to a depth of about two feet with a fine, dry dust.

The discovery was considered significant enough to be reported in the Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 1889. So, while you're standing here where a road now lies, just imagine what was uncovered beneath it all those years ago.