Tradition and legend identify a Maori presence in the Nelson region as far back as 850 AD. Rakaihautu was an early explorer from Hawaiki who was the first known traveller to make landfall at Whakatu (Nelson). He undertook a journey of exploration traversing the South Island to Bluff where he rejoined the crew. Legend tells how he dug up the lakes of Rotoiti, Rotoroa and the southern Lakes together with the surrounding mountain ranges with his magic "Ko" (Digging Stick). The descendants of Rakaihautu and his crew became the tribe Waitaha many of whom were the first inhabitants of the Nelson region.