Hone Taumaunu, Ngāti Konohi, tells the story of Paikea
Hone Taumaunu, Ngāti Konohi, tells the story of Paikea
Ramari Stewart, Ngāti Awa, Rongomaiwahine, tells the story of Te Tahi-o-te-Rangi
Ramari Stewart, Ngāti Awa, Rongomaiwahine, tells the story of Te Tahi-o-te-Rangi
Te Warena Taua, Te Kawerau ā Maki, tells the story of Hape-ki-tū-ā-rangi
Te Warena Taua, Te Kawerau ā Maki, tells the story of Hape-ki-tū-ā-rangi

Whale riders

Māori culture is rich with whale-riding stories and traditions. Many tribes have their particular legends and heroes. The stories often tell of an originating ancestor’s arrival to New Zealand shores. The tradition of the famous whale-riding ancestor Paikea inspired the Oscar-nominated film Whale Rider.

These stories usually involve bitter betrayals, extraordinary feats of survival, and high adventure.

In the Whale Rider theatre you can experience three whale-riding stories

Paikea

Ngāti Konohi

Te Tahi-o-te-Rangi

Ngāti Awa

Hape-ki-tū-ā-rangi

Te Kawerau ā Maki


 


Top: Sperm whale, courtesy of Brandon Cole. Right: Orca fluke, photograph courtesy of Dr Ingrid Visser, Orca Research Trust