Story: Marlborough region

Kupe place names (2nd of 2)

Kupe place names

Names commemorating the legendary Polynesian navigator Kupe are common in the Marlborough Sounds. Te Kupenga-a-Kupe (Kupe’s net) is the cliffs on Cape Jackson, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, which resemble nets hung out to dry. Te Taonui-a-Kupe (Kupe’s big spear), is Cape Jackson itself. Kupe’s fight with the octopus (wheke) near Tory Channel, and the cormorant (kawau) that accompanied his companion Toru through Te Aumiti (French Pass), have also given rise to place names.

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon, 'Marlborough region - Early Māori history', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/31745/kupe-place-names (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, updated 1 Nov 2016