Connect with the stories, people and living culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch with Waka on Avon, an authentic Māori cultural experience in Christchurch on and alongside the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Led by local Ngāi Tūāhuriri kaiārahi (guides), Waka on Avon offers visitors a meaningful way to discover the city’s Māori heritage through traditional waka paddling, storytelling, cultural practices and guided walking experiences.
After an absence of around 160 years, waka are once again paddling the Ōtākaro Avon River. Visitors can take to the water in a handcrafted waka, learn about the river’s importance as a mahinga kai, hear stories of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tūāhuriri, or explore significant places along the river corridor on foot.
Experiences depart from 794 Colombo Street in central Christchurch, opposite Victoria Square, making Waka on Avon an easy addition to a day exploring the city.
Why Choose Waka on Avon?
- Authentic Māori cultural experience in central Christchurch
- Qualmark Gold-certified experience
- Paddle a traditional handcrafted waka on the Ōtākaro Avon River
- Experiences led by local Ngāi Tūāhuriri guides
- Learn about Ngāi Tahu and local Māori history
- Traditional mihi whakatau welcome
- Māori storytelling and cultural knowledge
- Learn about the Ōtākaro Avon River as a mahinga kai
- 45-minute and 75-minute waka experiences
- 60-minute Māori cultural walking tour
- Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities
- Two 14-seat waka with capacity for up to 28 guests
- Central Christchurch departure opposite Victoria Square
- Meaningful experience combining culture, history and the environment
- Suitable for visitors, families and groups
Māori Waka Experiences in Christchurch
Waka on Avon offers two different guided waka experiences on the Ōtākaro Avon River, allowing visitors to choose how deeply they want to explore the river’s stories and cultural significance.
Kaitiaki – 45-Minute Waka Experience
Kaitiaki means guardian in te reo Māori.
This 45-minute Christchurch waka experience begins with a mihi whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome, before visitors join local Ngāi Tūāhuriri kaiārahi on the water.
Paddle a traditional waka along the Ōtākaro Avon River while discovering why this spring-fed waterway is a living mahinga kai – a place connected with food gathering, culture, responsibility and the ongoing relationship between people and the environment.
The Kaitiaki experience encourages visitors to consider their own role as guardians while learning about the restoration and cultural significance of the river.
Explore the Kaitiaki Waka Experience
Manaaki – 75-Minute Māori Waka Experience
For a deeper cultural journey, choose Manaaki, a 75-minute waka experience centred around manaakitanga – hospitality, generosity, care and connection.
The experience begins with a traditional mihi whakatau led by local Ngāi Tūāhuriri guides. Visitors then learn more about Māori cultural practices and storytelling before paddling a traditional waka along the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Manaaki is designed for visitors looking for more than sightseeing. It provides an opportunity to connect with the people, place and living culture of Christchurch while learning about the river and its significance as a mahinga kai.
Explore the Manaaki Waka Experience
Te Ara – Māori Cultural Walking Tour
Visitors don’t have to take to the water to discover Christchurch’s Māori heritage.
Te Ara, meaning “the pathway”, is a 60-minute guided cultural walking tour through central Christchurch and along the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor.
Beginning with a traditional Māori welcome, the walk explores Māori history, storytelling, taonga and culturally significant places around the central city, including Victoria Square.
Led by local guides, Te Ara reveals stories, symbolism and cultural connections that can easily be missed when exploring Christchurch independently.
It’s an excellent option for visitors looking for a Christchurch walking tour with a strong Māori cultural focus.
Explore the Te Ara Walking Tour
Discover the Ōtākaro Avon River
The Ōtākaro Avon River is much more than a picturesque waterway running through central Christchurch.
Waka were paddled on the river as far back as the 1700s. Before roads were established and when much of early Christchurch was wetland, Māori and later European settlers used the river to move people, trading goods and equipment.
For Māori, the river also has deep cultural significance as a mahinga kai, connecting food gathering, natural resources, people and place.
Through storytelling and guided experiences, Waka on Avon provides visitors with a deeper understanding of these connections and the importance of protecting the river for future generations.
A Unique Thing to Do in Christchurch
Waka on Avon offers a very different perspective on Christchurch.
Rather than simply seeing the central city, visitors experience it through the stories of tangata whenua and discover how Māori culture, history and the natural landscape are connected.
The combination of traditional waka, local guides, storytelling and the Ōtākaro Avon River makes this an excellent experience for travellers looking for unique things to do in Christchurch and a more meaningful connection with the destination.
No special level of fitness is required. A moderate level of mobility and comfort with light physical activity is recommended, and guides provide support throughout the experience.
Groups & Waka Experiences
Waka on Avon operates two 14-seat waka, allowing up to 28 guests to participate in a waka experience.
This makes the experience suitable for families, friends and organised groups looking for an activity that combines Māori culture, teamwork, storytelling and Christchurch history.
Waka experiences require a minimum of four passengers to operate. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, Waka on Avon may reschedule or cancel the experience in advance.
For larger groups, special requirements or times that aren’t shown online, contact Waka on Avon directly to discuss available options.
Explore Christchurch & Canterbury
Continue discovering the stories, attractions and landscapes of the region after your Waka on Avon experience.
From Christchurch city attractions and Māori cultural experiences to wildlife, outdoor adventures, scenic day trips and places to stay, find more inspiration for your trip in our Canterbury Travel Guide.
Plan Your Visit
Waka on Avon experiences depart from:
794 Colombo Street
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch 8011
The booking office is on the corner of Colombo Street and Oxford Terrace, opposite Victoria Square.
Visitors should arrive in comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the day’s weather.
Waka experiences can still operate in light rain. Severe weather may result in changes or cancellations for safety reasons.
Book Direct with Waka on Avon
Experience Christchurch from a different perspective and connect with the city’s Māori culture, history and natural environment.
Choose the Kaitiaki 45-minute waka experience, the deeper Manaaki 75-minute cultural waka experience, or discover the hidden stories of central Christchurch on the Te Ara cultural walking tour.
Book directly with Waka on Avon for current experience times, availability and pricing.
Waka on Avon FAQs
What is Waka on Avon?
Waka on Avon is a Māori cultural experience in Christchurch offering guided traditional waka experiences and a cultural walking tour along the Ōtākaro Avon River. Experiences combine Māori storytelling, local history, cultural knowledge and connection with the river.
What is a waka?
A waka is a traditional Māori canoe. Waka have historically been used for travel, transport, gathering food and connecting communities and hold significant cultural and ancestral importance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Where does Waka on Avon depart from?
Experiences depart from 794 Colombo Street in central Christchurch, opposite Victoria Square at the corner of Colombo Street and Oxford Terrace.
How long are the Waka on Avon experiences?
There are currently three main experiences: Kaitiaki is 45 minutes, Te Ara is 60 minutes and Manaaki is 75 minutes.
Will visitors learn about Māori culture?
Yes. Experiences include Māori storytelling and insights into the significance of the Ōtākaro Avon River as well as the history and traditions of Ngāi Tahu and local hapū Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
Do visitors paddle the waka?
Yes. The Kaitiaki and Manaaki experiences include paddling a traditional waka on the Ōtākaro Avon River with local guides.
How many people can go on a waka tour?
Waka on Avon operates two 14-seat waka and can accommodate up to 28 guests per tour.
Is Waka on Avon suitable for children?
Yes. Waka on Avon offers child and infant ticket categories for its waka experiences. A reasonable level of mobility and comfort with light physical activity is recommended.
Do Waka on Avon tours operate in the rain?
Experiences may continue in light rain. Severe weather can require changes or cancellations for safety reasons.
Is Waka on Avon in central Christchurch?
Yes. Waka on Avon departs from Colombo Street opposite Victoria Square in Christchurch Central City, making it convenient for visitors exploring central Christchurch.
Is advance booking recommended?
Advance booking is recommended, particularly when visitors need a particular date or time. Waka on Avon also asks guests to contact the team directly if a preferred time isn’t shown online.
What happens if a waka experience is cancelled?
If an experience can’t operate because of unsuitable weather, low numbers or other unforeseen circumstances, Waka on Avon guests will be offered a full refund or assistance rebooking for another date, subject to its terms and conditions.
