tuoro

This was a gigantic reptile which lived underground, burrowing vast passages as it moved, and uprooting trees when it came near the surface. A cave in the river bluff at Ahi-kereru, Te Whaiti, is known as Te Ana-tuoro. A tuoro is said to have dwelt in the Otara lakelet on the summit of Maunga-pohatu. It is credited with having formed the valley of the Waikare stream at that place in times long past away.

❧