Waka on Avon

NZ's Ultimate Māori Culture Experience

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Experiences

adult

Kaitiaki (45 minutes)

Guardians of the Ōtākaro, Avon River Receive an official mihi whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome that most people never experience. Then step into the role of kaitiaki (guardian). Paddle a waka on the Ōtākaro, Avon River with local Ngāi Tūāhuriri guides and discover why this spring-fed mahinga kai, a traditional food source, needs a guardian. This 45-minute experience reflects kaitiakitanga, the principle of guardianship. Your journey supports the ongoing restoration of the Ōtākaro awa (river). Perfect for those ready to connect with this place, not just visit it. Pricing: Adult $67 Child (5-15) $45 Infant (0-4) Free Family (2A+2C) $205

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adult

Manaaki (75 minutes)

Becoming Whānau (family) Arrive as manuhiri (visitor). Leave as whānau (family). Experience manaakitanga, the spirit of hospitality, generosity, and care, as Ngāi Tūāhuriri kaiārahi (guides) welcome you onto the Ōtākaro Avon River with an official mihi whakatau. Learn the kaihoe warm-up and kaihoe haka. Paddle the spring-fed waters of a mahinga kai (traditional food source) that sustained generations. Learn about mātauranga, knowledge handed from generation to generation, and see the restoration work your booking supports. 75-minutes that will change how you see this place, and your connection to it. Pricing: Adult $99 Child (5-15) $55 Infant (0-4) Free Family (2A+2C) $250

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Paddle a waka on the Ōtākaro Avon River

After 160 years waka are back on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Join our inner-city river tours on board our waka and discover the history of our city, region, hapū, and iwi with local kaiārahi (guides).

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EXPLORE CHRISTCHURCH BY WAKA

The Experience

Leaving from 794 Colombo Street opposite Victoria Square, our two paddling experiences are an amazing cultural journey of the Ōtākaro Avon River by waka.

Experience the team and skill building of paddling a hand-crafted waka down the Ōtākaro, Avon River, and learn about the importance of the waka to the early Māori culture. Enjoy early stories of Canterbury's Ngāi Tahu Iwi and the earliest European settlers, and the positive things they achieved building the city of Christchurch together.

Waka have been paddled on the Ōtākaro, Avon River as far back as the 1700's. Māori sailed to Aotearoa New Zealand on Waka Hourua (double-hull sailing waka). Single-hull waka became an important part of the early transport days of Christchurch city with no roads and nothing but swamp, Māori and early settlers collaborated regularly to transport trading goods and equipment up and down the Ōtākaro Avon River.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Waka on Avon run two daily tours with various times available throughout the day: Kaitiaki (45-min experience) and Manaaki (75-min experience). If you wish to extend or shorten the tour to suit your group, please feel free to email us.

We currently operate a 14-seater and a 16-seater Waka. We can have up to 30 customers per tour.

If you require a time slot that isn't currently advertised on our website, or if you would like to inquire about a specific time and date, please reach out to us via email and we will do our best to accommodate: info@wakaonavon.co.nz

We currently accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers per tour.

Bookings will be rescheduled or cancelled in advance if we do not meet a minimum of 4 passengers before the tour. This is a matter of health and safety, as well as your comfort.