Story: Taniwha
Te kōhatu o Hatupatu is beside State Highway 1 at Ātiamuri. Hatupatu was being chased by Kurangaituku, a tipua (supernatural being) who was part woman, part bird. He said a karakia (charm) to allow the rock to open and let him hide inside. Small sprigs of bracken can be seen around the depression in the rock – passers-by often place an offering of twigs, bracken and sometimes food there. This practice was also common at places said to be inhabited by taniwha.
About this item
Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Basil Keane
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