Story: Whenua – how the land was shaped

Māui in New Zealand

Māui in New Zealand

A number of New Zealand places are named after the story of Māui fishing up the North Island, with the South Island as his canoe and Stewart Island its anchor. This map is oriented as Māori traditionally perceived the country, with the North Island below the South Island.

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How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, 'Whenua – how the land was shaped - The North and South islands', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/6767/maui-in-new-zealand (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 12 Jun 2006