Story: Rivers

Waka, Waikato River

Waka, Waikato River

In this watercolour by Charles Emilius Gold, from about 1858, a waka is paddled along the Waikato River by its Māori crew. For Māori, rivers were major transport routes, and the waka, a large canoe constructed from a hollowed out log, was an ideal way to travel along them.

Using this item

National Library of Australia, Rex Nan Kivell Collection
Reference: nla.pic-an2938912
Watercolour by Charles Emilius Gold

Permission of the National Library of Australia must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

David Young, 'Rivers - Māori and rivers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/14689/waka-waikato-river (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by David Young, published 24 Sep 2007