Waka Ama Canoe Tours with Te Wharewaka o Poneke, Wellington
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness levels and be comfortable swimming at least 50 meters.
Overview
Discover the dynamic art of Waka Ama paddling in Wellington with Te Wharewaka o Poneke. Experience a unique blend of Māori culture, teamwork, and waterfront adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
Guided Waka Ama Tour
Experience a Māori sport; Waka ama • Minimum of 2 passengers • 1 hr 30 mins
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About This Adventure
Embark on a unique Māori experience with Waka Ama, an intimate outrigger canoe paddle. Join a small group to connect with nature while learning traditional techniques and cultural insights. Enjoy the thrill of teamwork on the water, and enhance your adventure with a meal from the award-winning Karaka Café.
Experience a Māori sport; Waka ama and go for an intimate paddle.
Duration
1 hr 30 mins
About
Waka Ama is an outrigger canoe. Join together to explore an intimate paddle with your small group. This special tour enhances working together, connecting closer to the water and spending quality time on the water.
Additional offering
Book this tour and include a meal from our award-winning Karaka Café.
What to expect
Mihi whakatau | Whakawhānaunga | Waka kōrero | Health and Safety | Waka drills | Aboard the waka | Paddle on the waka ama | Poroaki
More info
Waka Tours
- Please be prepared for moderate physical activity.
- Participants will be asked to confirm they can swim at least 50m.
What to bring
- Comfortable, quick-drying clothes
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Water shoes or sandals with a good grip
- A light jacket or windbreaker for cooler weather
You may get wet, so we recommend that you wear appropriate clothing. A warm layer to put on afterwards is recommended. All passengers and crew wear a personal flotation device on board the waka. We have personal flotation devices in a wide range of sizes and seek to include all tour participants, including children.
Wet Weather Plan
Waka tours are weather dependent. If the weather forecast is unsuitable leading to concerns about passenger safety, we will liaise with you to move the tour to another day.
Where an alternate date is not available, an on-land waka tour can be conducted. Passengers will learn all the techniques, waka chants, salutes and calls as if they were going to go out on the waka – they just won’t get wet!
The on-land waka tour includes an extended Māori Cultural Walking Tour taking in cultural sites and points of interest and cultural significance along Wellington’s picturesque Waterfront.
Adventure Tips
Bring Quick-Drying Clothing
Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes since splashes and spray are common during paddling.
Sun Protection is a Must
Use a hat and sunglasses to shield against the reflective harbor sun during the tour.
Be Ready for Moderate Exercise
This tour demands teamwork and moderate physical effort; comfortable fitness is recommended.
Water Shoes Improve Traction
Wear sandals or water shoes with grip to maintain stability on the slippery canoe surfaces.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Little Blue Penguins on the rocky shoreline
- Intertidal fish species and harbor seals
History
Waka Ama is rooted in Māori heritage as a traditional mode of coastal transport and sport, reflecting community values and navigational skills passed down through generations.
Conservation
Tours emphasize respect for the marine environment, practicing leave-no-trace principles and supporting local conservation efforts to maintain harbor health.
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Adventure Hotspots in Wellington
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Quick-Drying Shirts
Helps keep you comfortable despite water spray and sweat during paddling.
Hat and Sunglasses
Protects you from reflective sunlight on the water.
summer specific
Water Shoes or Sandals
Provides grip and protects feet while boarding and paddling the waka.
Windbreaker or Light Jacket
Offers warmth and wind protection on cooler or breezy days.
spring|fall|winter specific