Story: Tapa whenua – naming places

Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti

Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti

Like many place names, the names of Lake Rotoiti (foreground) and Lake Rotorua (background) come from early Māori explorers. Lake Rotoiti’s full name is Te Rotoiti-kite-a-Īhenga (the small lake discovered by Īhenga), and Lake Rotorua’s full name is Te Rotorua-nui-a Kahumatamomoe (the large lake of Kahumatamomoe, discovered second).

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Tapa whenua – naming places - Exploration and naming', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/18636/lakes-rotorua-and-rotoiti (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 24 Nov 2008