Police are investigating the vandalism of two pou whenua Maori carvings on the Abel Tasman Coast Track

The boundary markers appear to have been taken to with a hammer and paint.

The Department of Conservation's says it's extremely disappointing and aren't sure what's stranger - that someone would do this, or that they planned enough to bring a hammer and paint along to do it.

One pou whenua is of an important Te Atiawa chief.

The iwi will hold a karakia at the site and impose a rahui, following what they describe as the act of violence.