The South Island's earliest , Waitaha, traces its ancestors back to the , captained by Rākaihautū who sailed from Te Patunuioāio to New Zealand with the (astronomer) Matiti's advice, and in mythology was credited with digging many of the island's great lakes and waterways. The is sometimes said to have arrived at a similar time, bringing the progenators of Ngāti Hawea - an that became absorbed into Waitaha. Similar ancient groups that have slipped into mythology might include Maero and Rapuwai.