Te Ana O Muriwai. Whakatane. New Zealand.
S 37° 56.865 E 177° 00.530
60H E 500776 N 5799982
Te Ana O Muriwai (or Muriwai's Cave) is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites in the Whakatane Region. Drive out to the Whakatane Heads and opposite the boat ramp car park you will find a small cave named for Muriwai.
Waymark Code: WM73M0
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/27/2009
Views: 3
Muriwai, daughter of Irakwea, returned from Ohiwa to reside in this cave. A famed priestess, her advice was much sought after. She died here and left the place with a heavy Tapu which was lifted in 1963.
The cave near the rivermouth was originally a sea cave when the sea extended right to the base of the Kohi Point headland. It now lies just above sea level. It could at one time accommodate up to 60 people and extended some 122 metres into the hillside. Its original floor was just over a metre below the existing roadway.
Muriwai is a loved and honoured ancestress of the Mataatua tribes whose mana has endured down the centuries. This cave is dedicated to her memory and remains to this day a special place.
The cave is sacred to her memory. Please do not eat or drink in the cave.
Type of Land: Local Park
Managed By: Whakatane District Council.
Contact Info: Whakatane District Council's Customer Services contact details: Telephone: (07) 306 0500
Website: [Web Link]
Type of Cave: Sea Cave
Contains Stalactites: no
Contains Stalagmites: no
Contains Bats: Not Listed
Price of Admission: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please include a digital photograph of the cave which documents your visit and any information that may be helpful for future visitors.