Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Manawatu > Haunui Heritage Trail
Haunui Heritage Trail
- Description
The series of heritage trails in the Wanganui / Manawatu area is known collectively as the Haunui Trails. Haunui is derived from the Maori chief Haunui a Paparangi and his descendant Haupipi whose unfaithful wife Wairaka eloped with her lover Weku down the southwest coast of the North Island. As Haupipi pursued her southwards he named the principal rivers Whanganui, Whangaehu, Turakina, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Ohau after the difficulties he experienced in crossing them. Haupipi finally found Wairaka near Paekakariki where he commanded her to wade into the sea to gather shellfish for his tea. When the water had reached her waist Haupipi uttered a sacred chant and Wairaka was turned into stone where she stands as a rock at Wairaka to the west of Pukerua Bay.
Printed Guides to these trails are available from the i-SITE Wanganui Visitor Centre Tel 349 0508 Fax 349 0509 email: infocenter@wanganui.govt.nz
- Amenities
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- Historical
- Source
- www.wanganui.govt.nz
- Discussion
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