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