I saw a Taniwha

I saw a taniwha, toru, wha.

I saw a taniwha,

when swimming in the Waikato.

He whispered sweetly in my taringa,

"Won't you come along with me?

There's such a lot to see,

underneath the deep blue sea."

And what did I say?

I said, "Oh no, no, no!

I have to go, go, go,

but may we always be good friends.

My mother is waiting for me,

underneath the kowhai tree.

So taniwha, haere ra!"

Tahi, rua, toru, wha - hi!