Story: Ngā waewae tapu – Māori exploration

Kupe in the far north

Click on the place names to see some of the important places associated with the great explorer Kupe. The Ngāti Kurī people believe that Kupe first sighted New Zealand when he mistook Houhora mountain for a whale. Ngāpuhi say that he was guided by Te Aukānapanapa (the flashing current) to land in Matauri Bay. Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa believe that he made landfall in Hokianga Harbour. A memorial to Kupe was erected in Pākanae in 1955.

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Ngā waewae tapu – Māori exploration - Coastal explorers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/14129/kupe-in-the-far-north (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 24 Sep 2007