Maori History

None of the paddling we’re doing hasn’t been done before, Maori have been paddling on these waters for hundreds of years.

A rich history exists of Maori association with the Abel Tasman coast and reaching to Māpua. Archaeological evidence suggests an occupation span of some 800 years. A much longer occupation is indicated through oral traditions.

Maori were the earliest inhabitants of the region. Traces of their passing remain in features of the landscape and the names.

Ngai Tara occupied the Waimea district from about 1550 and spread out from there,before being displaced by Ngati Tumatakokiri in the early 1600’s. The newcomers became dominant over a large area, including the western Sounds, Tasman and Golden Bays.

Ngati Tumatakokiri were in occupation at the time of Abel Tasman’s visit to Golden Bay in 1642, and they were not finally displaced until the late 1790’s. Their conquerors were Ngati Apa, Ngati Kuia and Ngai Tahu, known now as the Kurahaupo Alliance.

The tribes of the Alliance were in turn overwhelmed when the Taranaki and Tainui tribesin Te Rauparaha’s confederation swept through the region in 1828. The areas surrounding and including the present Park were settled by Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama and Te Ati Awa.