Hatupatu's Rock - Roadside Stories

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.

Te Arawa: settlement and migration,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/te-arawa/2

Ngā karakia a te Māori -- traditional Māori religion,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/nga-karak...

Hatupatu and Kurangaituku,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/te-arawa/2/7

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Taonga puoro courtesy of Richard Nunns.

Roadside Stories are a series of audio guides to places of interest on major road trips in New Zealand. Each guide tells the story of an attraction along the way -- its people, its history, its cultural and natural significance. For more information about Roadside Stories visit http://www.mch.govt.nz/roadside/