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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

'The Cougar' departs daily from the Ōhope Wharf to take you on your fishing adventure. A great day out for families, or just a group of mates.

Kaputerangi or Toi's Pā is of major historical significance and is part of the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve.

Venture off the beaten path and into the whimsical realm of Maggie's Funtastic Garden near Edgecumbe, where artist and sculptor Maggie Fenton has created two acres of themed gardens that will delight kids.

The brainchild of Colin Hughes, these picturesque tiles were designed and created by a team of 12 artisans from the Whakatane Society of Arts and Crafts.

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