Iwitea
Wairoa District | Hawke's Bay | 15km east of Wairoa off State Highway 2
The legend of the seven whales
In mythology there were once whales living along the stretch of coast at Iwitea. A powerful tohunga (skilled person, chosen expert, priest, healer) was their guardian and each day, before sunrise, they would leave the shore where they slept and return to the sea to perform tasks the tohunga would set them. They were required to swim into the ocean and bring back reports of the discoveries they made underwater.
The youngest of the whales, Hukunui, was extremely lazy. When the others returned in the evening, exhausted after a hard day at sea and ready to sleep at Waiatai, he would be wide awake and would chatter late into the night. One day he slept in, and when the other awoke they could not find him. Desperately they searched for him, but he was asleep out of sight in the Waiatai Valley.
The tohunga scolded the remaining whales and told them that if they were not back in the sea before the sun rose, the rays of the sun would transfix them to the spot. The six were unable to locate their missing brother in time, and today six of the whale-shaped hills are said to be those whale, each transformed by sunlight into a large hill. Two, Iwitea and Tuhara, can be seen quite distinctly. The pair had been swimming out to sea, and turned back when Hukunui's absence was noticed. The remaining 'whales' are further inland. Hukunui is by himself in the valley where he was sleeping.
The legend of the seven whales
In mythology there were once whales living along the stretch of coast at Iwitea. A powerful tohunga (skilled person, chosen expert, priest, healer) was their guardian and each day, before sunrise, they would leave the shore where they slept and return to the sea to perform tasks the tohunga would set them. They were required to swim into the ocean and bring back reports of the discoveries they made underwater.
The youngest of the whales, Hukunui, was extremely lazy. When the others returned in the evening, exhausted after a hard day at sea and ready to sleep at Waiatai, he would be wide awake and would chatter late into the night. One day he slept in, and when the other awoke they could not find him. Desperately they searched for him, but he was asleep out of sight in the Waiatai Valley.
The tohunga scolded the remaining whales and told them that if they were not back in the sea before the sun rose, the rays of the sun would transfix them to the spot. The six were unable to locate their missing brother in time, and today six of the whale-shaped hills are said to be those whale, each transformed by sunlight into a large hill. Two, Iwitea and Tuhara, can be seen quite distinctly. The pair had been swimming out to sea, and turned back when Hukunui's absence was noticed. The remaining 'whales' are further inland. Hukunui is by himself in the valley where he was sleeping.
Directions
Iwitea is located 11.5kms north of Wairoa
109 Iwitea Road
Wairoa 4196
From Napier | approx. 130kms | 1 hour 50mins
If you are travelling north from Napier, follow State Highway 2 to Wairoa. From there on keep following State Highway 2 to Mahia/Gisborne for about 15kms. The turnoff to Iwitea is signposted and is on your righthand side onto Iwitea Road.
From Gisborne | approx. 90kms | 1 hour 15mins
If you are travelling south from Gisborne, follow State Highway 2 towards Wairoa. Carry on past Nuhaka. Continue through Whakaki keep driving for about 9kms/about 10mins after you've passed Whakaki. The turnoff to Iwitea The turnoff to Iwitea is signposted and is on your lefthand side onto Iwitea Road.
By Bus
If you are travelling to Wairoa by Intercity Bus and need a pickup from Wairoa, please let us know when you are booking your adventure.
109 Iwitea Road
Wairoa 4196
From Napier | approx. 130kms | 1 hour 50mins
If you are travelling north from Napier, follow State Highway 2 to Wairoa. From there on keep following State Highway 2 to Mahia/Gisborne for about 15kms. The turnoff to Iwitea is signposted and is on your righthand side onto Iwitea Road.
From Gisborne | approx. 90kms | 1 hour 15mins
If you are travelling south from Gisborne, follow State Highway 2 towards Wairoa. Carry on past Nuhaka. Continue through Whakaki keep driving for about 9kms/about 10mins after you've passed Whakaki. The turnoff to Iwitea The turnoff to Iwitea is signposted and is on your lefthand side onto Iwitea Road.
By Bus
If you are travelling to Wairoa by Intercity Bus and need a pickup from Wairoa, please let us know when you are booking your adventure.
Out on a Lim | Cellphone +64 21 143 3126 or Landline +64 6 837 5883 |E-Mail: [email protected] |
Address: 109 Iwitea Road, Wairoa 4196
Address: 109 Iwitea Road, Wairoa 4196