The Whale Rider Hardback

Format: Hardback
Genre: New Zealand Literary Fiction / Māori Fiction
Author: Witi Ihimaera

Eight-year-old Kahu is descended from a long line of Māori chiefs whose ancestors trace their origins to Kahutia Te Rangi, the legendary whale rider. But in the coastal community of Whāngārā, tradition dictates that leadership must pass to a male heir. Kahu's grandfather, determined to uphold the old ways, cannot recognise the extraordinary gift his granddaughter possesses.

When hundreds of whales become stranded on the shore, the community faces a crisis that will test its beliefs and reveal Kahu's remarkable connection to her ancestors. Weaving Māori mythology with contemporary life, Witi Ihimaera's The Whale Rider is a moving story of family, identity, tradition and the courage to challenge expectations.

This Penguin Modern Aotearoa Classics edition presents the internationally acclaimed novel in a beautifully crafted clothbound hardback, with decorative foil stamping on the cover. A handsome edition of a landmark New Zealand novel that also inspired the award-winning film.

Key Features

• Acclaimed New Zealand novel by Witi Ihimaera
• Beautifully crafted clothbound hardback edition
• Decorative foil-stamped cover featuring whale artwork
• Explores Māori heritage, leadership, family and identity
• Part of the Penguin Modern Aotearoa Classics collection
• Novel adapted into the internationally acclaimed film Whale Rider

What's Included

• One clothbound hardback edition of The Whale Rider

Specifications

• Publisher: Penguin Random House New Zealand
• Imprint: Penguin
• Series: Penguin Modern Aotearoa Classics
• Format: Hardback
• Binding: Clothbound with foil-stamped cover
• Pages: 192
• Publication Date: 10 November 2026
• ISBN: 9781776951529