Building a legacy in Hokianga: Footprints of Kupe
24 Jan, 2021 02:00 AM
5 minutes to read
Kupe, at Northland s Manea Footprints of Kupe. By carver Allan Wihongi. Photo / TNZ
NZ Herald
By: Jessica Cameron
Some 1000 years ago, he sailed across vast expanses of ocean, with only the stars and birds as his guides. He battled a ferocious tentacled sea monster. And, according to Ngāpuhi tradition, he discovered the country we call home. There s no argument; Kupe is a hero of epic proportions.
Yet, for an explorer who made such an indelible mark on New Zealand leaving in his wake a trail of namesakes stretching from Marlborough to Northland until now there have been few ways for tourists to learn his story.