Witi Ihimaera's timeless novel bound in a beautifully crafted, clothbound hardback edition for the Penguin Modern Aotearoa Classics series

A stunning foil-stamped hardback cover makes this edition of Witi Ihimaera's classic novel a must have for any serious collector's library.

'As timely and as relevant as it was nearly forty years ago.' Shilo Kino

In this landmark novel that won international acclaim, a young girl breaks with tradition to take hold of her destiny.


Eight-year-old Kahu comes from a long line of Māori chiefs. The people of Whāngārā claim descent from Kahutia Te Rangi, the legendary whale rider. But now there is no male heir – there’s only Kahu. And the chief, Kahu’s grandfather, is blinded by tradition and sees no place for a girl. When hundreds of whales beach themselves, he and his tribe face an existential crisis. Will the one with the whale rider’s ancient gift finally be revealed?

An internationally bestselling novel that was made into an award-winning hit film.