The casket carrying the late Dame Te Atairangikaahu is being taken to her final resting place on one of a dozen waka moving along the Waikato River to Taupiri Mountain.

Dame Te Ata's eldest son Tuheitia Paki has been crowned her successor. His coronation took place before the start of this morning's funeral for his mother.

Earlier, the tributes flowed for Dame Te Ata at Turangawaewae Marae at Ngaruawahia

Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, was among those paying her respects.

"Go with our deep respect, go with our gratitude and go with our love."

Dame Sian is representing the Queen in the place of the Governor-General, Judge Anand Satyanand, who has yet to be sworn into office.

Thousands of people have made the 10 kilometre journey from Turangawaewae Marae to the foot of Taupiri Mountain where Dame Te Ata will be buried alongside her father Koroki Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao.