Discover Wellington's greatest Māori waterfront experience. The only experience of its kind in a capital city!

Duration

2 hr 15 mins

About

Jump on board our waka tētē, Poutu or Te Taumata, paddle on our stunning harbour while learning about waka (traditionally carved canoe) culture. Enhancing culture, spirituality, and unity. Our friendly experienced guides will take you through everything you need to know to become kaihoe (paddlers). A unique and enchanting tour that offers insight into Māori culture. This tour is great for team building & togetherness. Get your whānau, work or sports team together and book one of Wellingtons most unique experiences.

Additional offering

Book this tour and include a meal from our award-winning Karaka Café.

What to expect

Mihi whakatau | Whakawhānaunga | Introduction speech about Te Āti Awa people | Traditional Waka knowledge | Health and Safety | Waka drills | Learn basic commands and chants, haka and salutes, in preparation for your once in a lifetime memorable waka experience paddling on one of the traditionally carved waka | Aboard the waka | Practice the art of waka | Connect to the environment in Te Whanganui a Tara | Listen to stories while on the water | Poroaki

Experience a traditional Māori welcome at the start of the tour and be introduced to our custom practices woven throughout the tour.

Smaller groups

If your group is smaller, kei te pai! Get in touch with us and we’ll pair you up on one of our regular tours.

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.