Hinemoa and Tutanekai : Floor Puzzle

Hinemoa and Tūtānekai is a timeless Māori love story set on the waters of Lake Rotorua. From Mokoia Island, Tūtānekai plays his kōauau, sending a love song across the lake to Hinemoa, who lives on the distant shore.

Forbidden from being together, Hinemoa bravely ties empty gourds to her body and swims through the dark waters to reach him, guided only by the sound of his music. Exhausted, she finds warmth in a hot pool, where Tūtānekai discovers her and realises the depth of her love.

Their reunion celebrates courage, devotion, and the power of love to overcome distance and obstacles — a story that continues to inspire generations.

Puzzle piece numbers can be customised depending on your specifications, with standard options including 9-piece, 16-piece, 18-piece, 32-piece, and 42-piece versions — making it easy to choose the right challenge level. Ideal for whānau time, classrooms, or as a standout gift, this puzzle invites tamariki to explore courage, clever thinking, and perseverance through play, while building a deeper understanding of Māori storytelling and cultural identity.