Story: Ngāi Tahu

Lake Manapōuri (2nd of 3)

Lake Manapōuri

According to legend, when Rākaihautū first explored the Southern Alps he left his canoe, Uruao, at Whakatū (Nelson) and walked south. The first of the lakes he dug out were those of the Nelson Lakes National Park, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Far to the south of where Rākaihautū began his labour of excavating the great southern lakes, he ended his task at Lake Te Ānau and Lake Manapōuri (pictured).

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GNS Science
Reference: 10405/5
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page:

Te Maire Tau, 'Ngāi Tahu - Ngāi Tahu and Waitaha', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1641/lake-manapouri (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Te Maire Tau, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Mar 2017