According to legend, the warrior Nihotupu raided the gardens of a chief named Panuku from Te Henga (Bethells). He not only stole Panuku’s ripe gourds but also abducted his wife, Parekura. As she was taken, Parekura plucked feathers from her cloak and dropped them along the path, leaving a trail for her husband to follow. Guided by the scattered feathers, the furious Panuku tracked them to a cave where Nihotupu had hidden her. A fierce battle ensued, ending with Panuku challenging and killing Nihotupu.

The story lives on through the names of the streams: Parekura, Nihotupu, and Opanuku