Te Kopikopiko o te Waka
Where Te Waipounamu began
With panoramic views of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana the Southern Alps and a great vantage for Te Weheka Fox Glacier, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka tells the important celestial story of how Te Waipounamu came to be.
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The significance of Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka
Previously known as Peak View, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka was redeveloped in 2022 to tell the foundational story of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana the Southern Alps.
The imposing, interactive sculpture, co-designed with Ngāti Māhaki, tells the story of how Te Waipounamu the South Island came to be.
The capsized waka of Raki
Te Kopikopiko o te Waka means ‘the capsized canoe’, referring to the waka of Aoraki, the eldest son of Raki, the sky father (known as Rangi or Ranginui in other dialects).
The imposing, interactive sculpture tells the story of how Te Waipounamu the South Island came to be, according to mana whenua Ngāti Māhaki, and is perfectly positioned to take in the splendour of Te Weheka Fox Glacier.
Before Aotearoa existed
In the beginning there was no Te Waipounamu or Aotearoa. Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa (Pacific Ocean) rolled over the place now occupied by the islands of Aotearoa. No sign of land existed. Raki wedded Papatūānuku (the Earth mother). After the marriage, some of the sky children came down to greet their father's new wife.
Celestial visitors
Among the celestial visitors were four sons of Raki: who were named Aoraki, Rakiroa, Rakirua and Rarakiroa. They came down in Te Waka o Aoraki (Aoraki’s canoe). They cruised around the vast ocean looking for Papatūānuku but could not find land. They decided to return to their celestial home, but the karakia (incantation) which should have lifted the waka back to the heavens failed and fell back into the sea, flipping over onto one side.
Te Waka o Aoraki turns to stone and earth
The waka listed and settled, with the west side much higher out of the water than the east. Thus the whole waka formed the South Island, hence the name: Te Waka o Aoraki. Aoraki and his brothers clambered on to the high side and were turned to stone. They are still there today. Aoraki is the highest peak (also known as Mount Cook), and his brothers are the next highest peaks near him – Rakiroa (Mount Dampier), Rakirua (Mount Teichelmann), Rarakiroa (Mount Tasman).
Te Kopikopiko o te Waka is proudly cared for by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Things to do at Te Kopikopiko o te Waka
Walk, scooter and climb
The installation is landscaped with walkways suitable for all fitness levels.
Marvel at the views
This is the best place to view Te Weheka Fox Glacier. Make the connection between the celestial creation story and the grand mountains and glaciers that surround you.
Take a walk
There is a small but vibrant ngahere (forest) adjacent to Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka - enjoy a five minute walk and spot kererū feasting on berries.
Also in the area
The vibrant township of Fox Glacier is located nearby and other attractions in the area include Lake Matheson, Gillespies Beach and the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway.
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