A Ministry for Culture and Heritage spokesman said 181 items "taonga tuturu" were discovered after an "extensive archaeological survey" of the Papanui Inlet area in April.
Taonga tuturu are objects relating to Maori culture, history or society.
The "large assemblage" was made up of items such as flake-cutting tools, fish hooks, sinkers and schist files.
Under the Protected Objects Act 1975 any newly-found relics must be notified to the ministry.
The ministry takes responsibility for their care and custody, and ensures the conservation requirements are met.The purpose of the Act is to reconnect taonga with traditional owners.
"We operate a public notification process and a call for claims which enables anyone with an interest in a taonga or find location to express their interest and have their claims heard."
Te Runanga o Otakou kaumatua Edward Ellison said the runanga had made a claim for ownership of the items.
"They are items of antiquity that link to our very past and they aid in telling our story."
If the runanga was deemed the appropriate owner by the ministry, the items would be held at Otago Museum.
