Hinemoa and Tutanekai
Hinemoa, a high-born maiden from the shores of Lake Rotorua, fell in love with Tutanekai, a younger son of a chief who lived on Mokoia Island. Her family disapproved of the match. Tutanekai would play his flute across the lake each night, and Hinemoa listened from the shore. One night, spurred by her love, Hinemoa tied gourds to her body for buoyancy and swam across the cold lake in darkness. She reached Mokoia Island and found her way to Tutanekai by following his music. The lovers were reunited, and her family eventually accepted their union. This story is one of the most celebrated Maori lo