Te Wheke-a-Muturangi: The Adversary Rising to the surface

There are many stories lying deep in the Pacifc Ocean. None is more amazing than that of Te Wheke-a-Muturangi. In Māori mythology, Te Wheke is the giant octopus chased by Kupe, the legendary Polynesian fsherman and navigator who some say was the frst to discover Aotearoa New Zealand. In the epic encounter, Kupe dealt many terrible blows to Te Wheke – eventually killing her – and from that moment on, a red sunset refecting on the sea is thought to be the blood let during their legendary battle. Centuries later, the giant octopus in that story will travel across the Tasman Sea to share her tale for the very frst time in Sydney.

Created by the multidisciplinary Māori artist Lisa Reihana and made from more than 1000 pieces, the foating, majestic Te Wheke-aMuturangi sculpture will take up residence in

Watermans Cove, gently animated by harbour breezes and shifting currents, bathed in sunlight and moonglow.

Scan the QR code onsite to hear Te Wheke’s remarkable story. Or hit the harbour on a kayak tour for an up-close encounter.

Opening Day

On Friday 5 January at 10am, join us for a Welcome to Country and short performance by Sydney’s Māori Choir to celebrate the unveiling of Te Wheke-a-Muturangi.

KAYAK TOURS

Option 1

Darling Harbour

Explorer: Sea Kayaking Tour – 1 hour, 30 minutes https://www. sydneyharbourkayaks. com.au/darlingharbour-kayak-tour

Option 2

Beautiful Sydney

Harbour: Early Morning/Breakfast

Tour – 2 hours, 30 minutes https://www. sydneyharbourkayaks. com.au/sydney-sunrisekayak-tour close access to transport, delicious restaurants and bars throughout The Streets of Barangaroo and Crown Sydney and beautiful water views, Watermans Cove is home to some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Sydney.