The voyage of Nukutawhiti upon the waka Ngātokimatawhaorua is a foundational narrative for the Ngāpuhi iwi, marking the return to Aotearoa (New Zealand) following the initial discovery by his grandfather, Kupe. 

The Waka: Ngātokimatawhaorua

Origin: Nukutawhiti captained the waka originally known as Matawhaorua, which Kupe had used to discover New Zealand.

Renaming: Upon returning to Hawaiki, the vessel was refurbished and re-adzed (ngā toki meaning "the adzes"), leading to its new name, Ngātokimatawhaorua. 

The Journey from Hawaiki

Navigation: Nukutawhiti followed the specific navigational instructions and signs (such as reflected light from mountains) left by Kupe to find his way back to the Hokianga Harbour.

Mystical Protection: The voyage was allegedly guided by four taniwha—Āraiteuru, Niua, Puhimoanaariki, and Rangiuruhinga—and two atua (gods).

Karakia and Waves: Tradition states that Nukutawhiti used powerful karakia (incantations) to summon three sacred waves—Ngarunui, Ngaruroa, and Ngarupaewhenua—to propel the waka across the ocean. 

Arrival and "Battle of the Priests"

Landing: Nukutawhiti arrived alongside his cousin Ruanui, who captained the Māmari waka.

Conflict: A metaphysical dispute arose between the two leaders regarding the consecration of their new settlements. Ruanui's priests attempted to sacrifice a whale via incantations, while Nukutawhiti’s priests successfully countered them to push the whale back to sea.

Hokianga-whakapau-karakia: This event gave the harbour its full name, meaning "Hokianga where incantations were exhausted," reflecting the depletion of Ruanui's spiritual powers during the battle.