Story: Ngā waewae tapu – Māori exploration

Roadside Stories: Kupe in the Hokianga

Hokianga Harbour was the departure point of legendary Māori navigator Kupe when he returned to his homeland of Hawaiki. Kupe is said to have left behind two taniwha (water spirits), which guided the safe landing of later Polynesian arrivals.

Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.

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Taonga puoro courtesy of Richard Nunns.

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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/45049/roadside-stories-kupe-in-the-hokianga (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 24 Sep 2007