Waka trips from Kaiteriteri beach, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. A truly unique cultural experience for all ages.
Maori Cultural Experience
Waka (Maori canoes) are the living expression of a people who sailed the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years. As the only form of transport across oceans and waterways, waka were vital for travel and trade. By paddling in our double-hulled (waka tuarua) or single-hulled outrigger canoes (waka ama), you share in New Zealand’s treasured heritage.
Waka is an inclusive experience where everyone can feel the joy of working as part of a team. We begin and end all our trips with a blessing (karakia) for protection. You will learn the etiquette (tikanga) associated with waka before becoming familiar with the boat and embarking on our journey (haerenga ). Come join us for a truly unique cultural experience.
Waka Tours
- Split Apple Rock Paddle – A trip suitable for all ages, you’ll venture out to Split Apple Rock (Toka Ngawha), a beautiful, atmospheric place and one of the Abel Tasman coastline’s most iconic spots. But stunning scenery and extraordinary memories isn’t all you’ll take away from your waka journey – the easy, three-hour return trip will show you just how empowering membership of a waka crew can be.
- An unforgettable corporate teambuilding experience – Let us deliver an ocean based corporate teambuilding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. From an hour to several days – incporporate waka into one of your next corporate teambuilding weekends.
- Sunrise Group Journey – Get a group together and experience the magic of sunrise with us. Starting at 6am and finishing at 8am you can start your day already having experienced magic.
- Waka experiences for school kids of all ages – We are a local, Whanau operated family enterprise passionate about sharing with our mahuhiri (guests) some of the rich cultural heritage associated with the sea voyaging experience. Our values sit strongly within our kaupapa Maori world view. It is then important to us that you and your akonga (students) feel comfortable, connected and uplifted. We look forward to extending manaakitanga (hospitality) to your group, and guiding your students into the wonders of the takutai moana (marine environment) and through the awesome educational experience that awaits them.
