Story Summary
Experience the legendary Maori love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Follow Hinemoa’s brave swim across Lake Rotorua to reach her lover on Mokoia Island.
On the shores of Lake Rotorua lived Hinemoa, a high-born maiden of great beauty. Across the water on Mokoia Island lived Tutanekai, a young chief of lower status. The two fell deeply in love, but Hinemoa’s family forbade the match, beaching all the canoes to prevent her from crossing the lake. Each night, Tutanekai would play his flute, the koauau, sending haunting melodies across the water to express his longing. Driven by the music, Hinemoa tied empty gourds to her body for buoyancy and plunged into the cold, dark waters. She swam through the night, guided only by the sound of the flute. Exhausted, she reached the island and warmed herself in the hot spring of Waikimihia. When Tutanekai’s servant came to fetch water, Hinemoa broke his calabashes to lure her lover to the pool. Tutanekai came down to investigate the disturbance and found his beloved waiting. Their bravery and devotion finally won the respect of their families, uniting the tribes in peace.
The Moral
True love knows no boundaries and can overcome even the most daunting physical and social obstacles through courage and determination.
“Love gave her strength to cross the deep waters, guided only by the song of the flute.”
Fun Fact
The hot spring on Mokoia Island where Hinemoa bathed is still a famous landmark today, and the story remains one of the most famous and beloved romances in New Zealand culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Hinemoa and Tutanekai?
The moral is that love and perseverance can overcome any obstacle, whether it is a physical barrier like a lake or a social barrier like tribal status. Hinemoa's courage proves that devotion is more powerful than fear.
Where does the story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai take place?
The story is set in the Rotorua district of New Zealand's North Island. Specifically, it involves Hinemoa swimming from the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua to Mokoia Island in the center of the lake.
How did Hinemoa cross Lake Rotorua without a boat?
Since her family had hidden all the canoes, Hinemoa fastened empty gourds (hue) to her body to act as life jackets. She then swam the long distance across the dark lake, guided by the sound of Tutanekai's flute.
What instrument did Tutanekai play?
Tutanekai played a traditional Maori flute called a koauau. He also played the putorino, and it was these musical signals that guided Hinemoa across the water during her night swim.
What is Hinemoa's Pool?
Hinemoa's Pool, known locally as Waikimihia, is a natural geothermal hot spring located on Mokoia Island. According to the legend, it is where Hinemoa recovered from her cold swim before meeting Tutanekai.
Why was their relationship originally forbidden?
Hinemoa was a high-born woman of the Te Arawa people, and her father, Umukaria, considered Tutanekai an unsuitable match due to his perceived lower social standing and the complexities of tribal politics.
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