A crew of young Cook Islanders has embarked on a journey through the 15 islands of the Cooks, across two million square kilometres of ocean, with only the stars, wind and ocean currents to guide them.
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Aboard a traditional vaka, Marumaru Atua, they learn learn how their tipuna navigated across the great blue moana, without the use of electronic aids.
Alannah Smith has been on board for the northern part of the voyage.
She told Morning report it was an amazing journey.
"Going into the vaka I was definitely apprehensive, with all the elements you're out in the ocean in a small boat and you kind of go into it a little scared I suppose.
"The feeling when you're on board, it's like our guardians are watching over us."
"A lot of it is using the stars to guide you along your course at night time," Smith said. "Using the waves as well, reading the waves to direct you as well."
RNZ Pacific journalist Jamie Tahana and visual journalist Nathan McKinnon filed this story ahead of the journey:
While the group were only able to visit five of the six islands planned for the first half of the voyage, and six weeks at sea became seven, Smith says things have mostly gone to plan so far.
Having travelled to the northern island groups, the next stage is to reach the southern islands.
'It was amazing' - Alannah Smith