Story: Tapa whenua – naming places

Aoraki/Mt Cook (1st of 2)

Aoraki/Mt Cook

Aoraki is the highest peak in the Southern Alps, and is sacred to the Ngāi Tahu tribe. Its name is the Ngāi Tahu version of the Māori name Aorangi, which is also found throughout Polynesia. Peaks with this name are often found beside another called Hikurangi.

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GNS Science
Reference: 36152
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Tapa whenua – naming places - Traditions and place names from Polynesia', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/18647/aorakimt-cook (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 24 Nov 2008