Ngake and Whātaitai : Floor Puzzle

Discover the legend of Ngake and Whātaitai, two powerful taniwha who once lived in a great lake where Wellington Harbour now lies. Ngake, full of energy and curiosity, smashed through the cliffs to reach the open ocean, while Whātaitai tried to follow but became stranded between land and sea. Over time, Whātaitai’s body turned to stone and became part of the landscape, and Ngake is said to still roam the restless waters of Cook Strait. This pūrākau explains how Wellington’s harbour, rivers, and surrounding landmarks were formed, and invites tamariki to explore the deep connection between people, land, and sea.

This story is brought to life as a 60 × 80 centimetre floor puzzle, made from durable MDF wood and 4 millimetres thick, designed for tamariki to explore through hands-on play, storytelling, and visual learning.

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.