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It was only 1,000 years ago that New Zealand was discovered by Kupe, according to Maori legend. Kupe sailed to Aotearoa (New Zealand) from Hawaiki, the traditional homeland of the Maori people. While no one today knows the exact location of Hawaiki, it is believed to be somewhere in Polynesia. What we do know is the detailed craftsmanship that went into building Polynesian outrigger canoes. Many replicas of these boats are on display at the Auckland Maritime Museum.

Double hulled voyage canoes at the Auckland Maritime Museum
This is a Tongan Tongiaki, a double-hulled voyage canoe. The small hut offers the only protection the brave sailors had against the oceans. It’s similar in style to the boats that originally brought the Polynesian Maori to New Zealand, although the migration boats were believed to be about 20 meters in length.
The sail of a Polynesian outrigger canoe at the Auckland Maritime Museum
Rather than a single boom like modern sailing vessels, the sail is lashed to two booms that are separated to raise the sail.
Sails woven from plant materials and sewn together in strips.

Documenting New Zealand’s nautical history, the Auckland Maritime Museum takes us through the arrival of the nation’s early population. Long before the days of drones and satellites, curious and brave seafaring explorers use their knowledge of the ocean and the night sky for guidance. They arrived in Polynesian outrigger canoes, the style of which has sailed the southern Pacific ocean for over 5000 years.

Taking a closer looker at the construction details of the Polynesian outrigger canoes, the challenge these brave men faced seems multiplied. The museum displays replicas of voyaging canoes from Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Kiribati.

Polynesian outrigger canoe at the Auckland Maritime Museum
This is a classic example of an outrigger canoe. The main parts are the canoe (the hull that holds the canoe paddlers), the outrigger boom or “kaito” in Maori (spars leading out from the hull), and the outrigger or “ama” (smaller lateral supports that float on the water and offers balance).
Stitching holding a canoe together at Auckland Maritime Museum
A closer look at the impressive stitching holding the hull together.
Polynesian outrigger canoes at the Auckland Maritime Museum
Another Polynesian outrigger sailing canoe. In the background is the hull, outrigger boom and part of the sail of Taratai, a 76-foot baurua voyaging canoe from the Kiribati Atolls.
A close up look at a Polynesian outrigger canoe at the Auckland Maritime Museum
The lashings that hold the outrigger to the outrigger boom.
A section of Taratai, a traditionally built 76 foot baurua voyaging canoe from the Kiribati Atolls.
The binding on a section of the much larger Taratai’s outrigger boom.
A decorative canoe at the Auckland Maritime Museum
A decorative canoe.
A knot holding two sections of Polynesian canoe
A closer look at the lashings on one of the boats.
Canoe carved from a single tree
A canoe carved from a single tree.

We visit the Auckland Maritime Museum often but yesterday was the first time I did a photo study of the migration canoes.

Practical Information and Tips for Visiting the Auckland Maritime Museum

  • The museum is at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour at the corner of Quay and Hobson Streets.
  • The Auckland Maritime Museum is open nearly every day from 10 am – 5 pm. Also available are optional sailings on most days, which offer a chance to get out on the water on a ketch-rigged deck scow or other historical boats.
    This waka belonging to the Polynesian Voyaging Society is one of many boats that visitors can sail on at the Auckland Maritime Museum
    This waka, belonging to the Polynesian Voyaging Society, is one of many boats that museum visitors can sail on (for an additional fee).
  • Entrance is free to Auckland area residents. See the official website for other prices including sailings.
  • Weekdays, there are tours led by passionate volunteers at 10:30 am and 1 pm. The museum also hosts special events and open days.
  • The Auckland Maritime Museum is also the check-in location before heading out on the dolphin and whale excursion.
  • Heading to Auckland or anywhere in New Zealand? If so, don’t forget to pick up a copy of Lonely Planet’s New Zealand Travel Guide

If you enjoyed taking a closer look at these Polynesian outrigger canoes, please share this pin on Pinterest:

This is one of many Polynesian canoes at the Auckland Maritime Museum. Read the article for a closer look at images of the craftsmanship details.

Would you cross the oceans on one of these Polynesian outrigger canoes?

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Comments

  3. The word Polynesia itself evokes images of exotic beaches and islands for me. The history of New Zealand and how it was discovered is fascinating. The Maritime museum sounds really interesting, a window to the past. The canoes look ingenious and a silent tribute to the skills of the Maoris of yore.

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    • I agree, when I hear the word I think of exotic destinations, palm trees, and white sand beaches. The maritime museum is the perfect place to learn about the history and how the cultures intermix.

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  5. What an interesting cultural post. I like that they pass down their skills from generation to generation. Thank you for more knowledge.

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  6. Very interesting post. The craftsmanship of these outriggers are incredible, the pictures definitely brought me there at the museum to appreciate this.

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  8. How beautiful is that outrigger? I studied anthropology in college, so I know that I would love this museum. It’s so amazing to see how amazingly they used their materials to travel so far. It’s so fascinating!

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  10. This is quite incredible, I imagine the Polynesian outrigger canoes would have been quite cutting edge technology for their day. It’s quite fascinating to imagine a world of exploration and discovering new lands before we had electronics and motors and all the wonders of knowledge of the modern day. I was really drawn in by the story of Kon Tiki, where Thor Heyerdahl lead an expedition in 1947 across the Pacific Ocean from South America by traditional Polynesian raft. Obviously doesn’t have much to do with New Zealand, but your photos reminded me of that 🙂 Incredible that they crossed oceans in these isn’t it!

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  14. This was a very interesting blog Rhonda. The binding was different and amazing. I really liked the canoe. How were these Polynesian outrigger made? Did the Polynesian people have materials to create canoe and outriggers? I would like to go on these Polynesian outriggers and see what it likes in the water. Interesting!

    Have a great day Rhonda. See ya.

    Cruisin Paul

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    • These boats are 100% hand carved and tied, from natural ingredients like trees and vines. I wouldn’t want to sail on one for very long. I prefer a bit of luxury.

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  15. The Auckland Maritime Museum looks fascinating. In a way, it reminds me of the maritime museum in Palamos (Costa Brava) since both museums provide glimpses into the maritime past.

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    • How small world. We did a long term home exchanged and lived in Palamos. The two museums are somewhat similar, yet quite different as Palamos seemed to focus on fishing and commercial industry.

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  16. I love reading post like this. I love anything historic really. These canoes are too cool. Hopefully I’ll make it to the museum one day!

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  22. Fascinating story of ancient migration and cool boats! The child in me always wanted to run away to a tropical island. The practical adult drove to Florida but it’s not really polynesia!

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  25. Hi Rhonda – what a stunning and fascinating museum to be able to look round – and yes ‘how did they do it’ … except we know they managed to use the winds to traverse the oceans … Love the craftsmanship … and it’s wonderful we can re-create the things our ancestors used – to enable us to realise a little more about early life … cheers Hilary

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    • They passed the skill down from father to son, using wind, stars, moon, birds and whale migration patterns. They could identify about 150 stars, and used them to find their way. I took a celestial navigation course once, but I was completely lost.

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    • I guess I should have put some people in them for perspective. Standing there and thinking about people being on them for months at a time, they looked really small.

      Reply

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