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Story: First peoples in Māori tradition

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 later Polynesian arrivals to a safe landing.

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

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How to cite this page

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, First peoples in Māori tradition – Kupe, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/interactive/45050/roadside-stories-kupe-in-the-hokianga (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 30 April 2014.