Horomatangi Wood Carving Wairakei Terraces New Zealand
Photo & Vacation Spot

A wood carving of Horomatangi, an icon to the Maori people, sits on top of a stump at the Wairakei Terraces near Taupo, New Zealand.

At the Wairakei Terraces near Taupo, New Zealand, people can visit a Maori village where culture, tradition and life styles of the Maori people become real. Atop an old tree stump, a wood carving of Horomatangi is located, a piece of art which is very symbolic to the Maori people. Down the side of the stump is another intriguing carving created by the village people.

Legends of Horomatangi tell the tale of a sea god who helped the sisters of Ngaatoro to Lake Taupo. Also known to have created the Karapiti blowhole, Horomatangi is a powerful icon amongst the Maori people at the Wairakei Terraces and is believed to keep watch over the lake.

Visitors to the Wairakei Terraces in New Zealand will find many meaningful carvings around the village. Workers of the terraces are very helpful in explaining the history and legends behind each of the attractions.

Carving of Horomatangi at the Wairakei Terraces Maori Village near Taupo, North Island, New Zealand.