PO Box 95
Lyttelton 8841
Te Ūaka recognises Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke as Mana Whenua and Mana Moana for Te Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour.
Navigate a compelling voyage through the nautical heritage of Whakarauopō, following the adventurers, voyagers, and seafarers who have navigated the waters to and around Te Waipounamu in Aotearoa New Zealand. These stories dive into tales of the early Polynesian migrations, European exploration, and the development of trade and shipping routes that connected Whakaraupō with the wider world. It celebrates the ingenuity and bravery of those who have taken to the sea, from the Māori waka (canoes) that traversed vast oceanic distances guided by the stars, to the tall ships of European settlers forging new lives in distant lands, and the modern vessels that continue to ply these waters. Through these stories you are invited to explore the developments in shipbuilding, evolution of maritime commerce, and the pivotal role that ports like Lyttelton continue to play in the economic and social fabric of the country. These stories not only chronicle the challenges and triumphs faced at sea but also highlight the maritime traditions and cultural connections that have shaped Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour's identity.