Te Kopikopiko o te Waka

An interactive sculpture on Tai Poutini - West Coast, near Weheka - Fox Glacier township, references the waka of Aoraki and his brothers as they journeyed across the ocean before capsizing and becoming petrified, forming Aotearoa - New Zealand’s tallest mountains.

The sculpture sits within a park landscape that reflects the region’s geological journey through time — from glacier to coast. Local stone is used in a variety of forms and shapes, highlighting the natural processes that shape and transform it. Nearby, a vibrant ngahere - forest pocket offers a short five-minute walk where visitors can look for native birds.

Together, the waka sculpture and park create a place for locals and visitors to pause, picnic, relax, and take in the striking views of Te Moeka o Tuawe - Fox Glacier.

Designed collaboratively with Lucas Associates.