Story: Ngā waewae tapu – Māori exploration

Rākaihautū’s lakes

Rākaihautū’s lakes

In Waitaha tradition, Rākaihautū landed the Uruao canoe at Whakatū (Nelson). He then dug out a large number of lakes with his kō (digging stick). These lakes, shown on the map, are known as Kā Puna-karikari-a-Rākaihautū (the springs of water dug by Rākaihautū).

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Ngā waewae tapu – Māori exploration - The South Island', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/14159/rakaihautus-lakes (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 24 Sep 2007