A double-hulled waka will retrace an ancient voyage for the first time in 175 years.
Te Matau a Maui is expected to sail from Ahuriri in Napier to Rangiwhakaoma, or Castlepoint, with a crew of 24 tomorrow.
The sea path was used by legendary waka Matahourua, which Kupe tracked Te Wheke o Muturangi and also Tākitimu waka which also made landfall at Rangiwhakaoma.
A spokesperson for Te Hika A Papauma ki Wairarapa hapu, Charles Morunga, says the waka will be moored there for five days where a number of events would take place.
He said it is a chance for people in the area to cast their minds back to what it was like for their tupuna.
