It is said that that the launching of the Tainui waka was hulled from an extraordinarily large tree, as it created such a tidal wave upon its launching.
The Tainui waka was captained by Hoturoa and first sighted land at Mahia Peninsular. Along its travel, the canoe was kidnapped by the Te Arawa chief Ngatoiroirangi, who brought fire with him from Hawaikii and introduced fire to Tongariro for warmth, thus we have the hot springs of the thermal region.
The canoe moved north and landed at Whangaparaoa, then moved on to Maketu, from there to the Hauraki Gulf up the Tamaki river, eventually settling at Mokau where the anchor is said to be permanently cemented into the ground by order of the government. The Tainui came onto Kawhia, having no anchor, moored under the pohutakawa trees. Eventually the Tainui was taken to Maketu and buried there.
Also included is Rakataira's story of the albatross, how Hotorua tried to send him on a fool's mission, as he did not want Rakataira to marry his sister, Kahukeke. Rakataira realising Hoturoa's deceit evoked the aid of an albatross.
[NB. The narrator is not identified].