'This tree is notable for it's historical significance to the local Tangata whenua - Ngatipikiao. It is an obvious landmark on Hongi's Track -Sheet 30 and no.44 of the Great Trees of New Zealand by Burstall & Sale, pp. 110-111' (Cowan 1994).

The significance of this area lies in its important historic and scenic values. The track which runs through the area has two names: Hinehopu's Track and Hongi's Track. Originally it was named after the Maori chieftainess, Hinehopu, who lived in the area around 1620. Hinehopu kept two homes, one at Rotoiti and the other at Rotoehu and often travelled between the two lakes. The track and area between the two lakes was named after her. The name Hongi was given to the area when the famous Ngapuhi warrior, Hongi, transferred his canoes from Lake Rotoehu to Lake Rotoiti in 1823 in order to perform a surprise raid on the Arawa people on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua.
Ref: Department of Conservation, Hinehopu/Hongi's track notes.

This tree is otherwise known by locals as Te Rakau tipua o Hinehopu, the Magic Tree of Hinehopu. When Hongi Hika and his warriors carried their war canoe past here, Hinetamairu and the young chieftainess Hinehopu, heard about the oncoming war party and hid within the tree. The tree that kept Hinehopu safe is now known as the Wishing Tree.