A distinctive rock by the side of State Highway One is significant to Māori for its role in the story of Hatupatu. He was taken prisoner by the fearsome bird-woman Kurangaituku, but managed to escape from her lair. Kurangaituku gave chase, but the rock magically opened to shelter Hatupatu. Some say that the bird-woman’s claw marks are still visible on the rock.
Listen to a Roadside Story about Hatupatu's Rock. Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.
Taonga puoro courtesy of Richard Nunns
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
YouTube: Manatu Taonga's channel
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.