In one New Zealand coastal village, the Maori people claim descent from Paikea, the Whale Rider. A first-born male has assumed the title of Whangara chief for nearly a thousand years. What would happen if a female tried to enter the pantheon of leaders? That is the question that drives Niki Caro′s exceptional coming-of-age fable. Chief Koro′s eldest son Porourangi fathered twins-a boy and a girl-but the boy and his mother died. Grief-stricken, Porourangi left the surviving child, Pai, to be raised by her grandparents. Pai grows into a charismatic and feisty adolescent, a natural leader loved by her entire community, but her talents go unappreciated by the grandfather she adores. He refuses to acknowledge her as his heir Instead, Koro calls for his people to bring their 12-year-old boys to him for training. He is certain that through a grueling process of teaching the ancient chants, tribal lore and warrior techniques, the future leader of their tribe will be revealed to him. Meanwhile, deep in the ocean, a massive herd of whales is drawn toward Pai and their twin destinies.