In the beginning there was Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, earth mother. They lived together, firmly embracing each other, because they loved each other so much.

Ranginui and Papatuanuku had many children.  Some say they had 76 or more, all of them sons. Their children lived in darkness between their parents, without much room to move or grow. 

The six eldest sons had a hui (meeting). They decided to create more space by separating their parents, so they chose the strongest, Tāne Mahuta, to perform the task. Tane put his shoulders to his mother, and pushed his father away with his legs. Then there was light, and room to move.

Tāne Mahuta clothed his mother with the birds and trees of the forest. He then became their guardian.

This is one of the many Maori legends that you may be told during your guided walking tour with pureORAwalks in the Taupo/Tongariro area.

pureORAwalks

Our Group Nature Culture Walks and our camp and lodge overnight accommodation also all include a Maori handcraft activity. Create a cultural memento to take home from your pureORA expereince!

For details on the locations of Pureroa Forest Park, Tongariro National Park and Whirinaki Forest Park, click here.

The Environment

At pureORAwalks, we are committed to sustainability or Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for the good of the land and future generations.

We don’t talk sustainability - we walk it!