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Lady on the Rock - Wairaka

The Lady on the Rock

The Lady on the Rock statue is widely recognised as a symbol of our region, unveiled at the Whakatāne Heads in 1965 as a memorial to the wife of Sir William Sullivan who was a driving force in Whakatāne during the 20th century. The striking bronze statue atop Turuturu Rock lies at the mouth of the Whakatāne River and commemorates the bravery of Wairaka, the daughter of Toroa, captain-navigator of the Mataatua waka.

When the Mataatua waka first arrived at Whakatāne after making a perilous voyage from Ngāti Awa’s ancestral homeland of Hawaiki 600 years ago, the men left the women alone in the canoe while they went ashore. When the canoe started to drift back to sea, Wairaka defied the tapu that forbade women to handle a canoe and seized the paddle to bring the waka back to shore crying,

"Kia Whakatāne au i ahau’ – I will act the part of a man."

This cry is the origin of the town's name.

You can easily view this renowned monument from Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne.

Contact Details

Muriwai Drive
Whakatane
New Zealand

More things to do

A shared-use track that includes an optional overnight stop at a historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle.

Eco-Tours And Kiwi Bird Experiences. Let our kaiārahi (local guide) transport you through the Ōmataroa forest lands, and guide you on a journey of manaakitanga (care) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the kiwi.

The Whirinaki Rainforest - a majestic, ancient and spiritual realm. Join us for a guided walking journey into the heart of this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest. 

Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a self-driven rail-cart

Swim some laps in the pool, relax in one of the spas, work out in the gym complex, take the kids paddling in the learners or beach pools, or get your thrills on the hydroslide.

A collaboration between Owen Dippie and Tame Iti this mural is titled 'Te Tira Hou' the New Generation. 

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