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Story: Canoe traditions

The Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki

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The Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki

According to Te Waipounamu (South Island) accounts, the Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki were formed when kūmara brought on the Ārai-te-uru waka washed overboard and became petrified on the beach.

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by Simon Nathan

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How to cite this page

Rāwiri Taonui, Canoe traditions – Canoes of the South Island, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/2368/the-moeraki-boulders-kaihinaki (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 4 March 2009.