Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 75 minutes
Description
Waka on Avon delivers a must-do cultural experience in Christchurch. This guided waka journey places you at the heart of Māori tradition as you paddle a handcrafted waka along the Ōtākaro (Avon) River. Led by expert kaiārahi (guides), you will learn authentic techniques, hear kōrero (stories) about the river’s significance, and listen to captivating tales of the Ngai Tahu iwi and the early European settlers who shaped the region. This is far more than a paddle, it is an immersive encounter with Māori heritage, delivered in an intimate setting that ensures genuine engagement. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it stands out as one of the most memorable and culturally rich experiences in Christchurch.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(22)
Beautiful time on river, very informative, Thomas was an excellent guide & great singer.
Kia ora, Thank you for taking the time to review us, we're so happy to hear you enjoyed your Waka experience. with our crew! Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
Thomas was amazing! My friend and I learnt so much about the Māori culture and the importance of the history.
Kia ora, Thanks so much for your review, we are happy to hear you learnt about our culture, we will pass on your feedback to our team!. Ka mau te wehi! Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
Check weather and confirm on the day for time and meeting point Name of event clearly signed on building-we thought it was a toilet block
Incredible experience, I will never forget it! Thank you!
Kia ora, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased you had an incredible experience and that it was so memorable. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to see you again soon. Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
The two Māori guides made this trip memorable! It exceeded our expectations. Besides the fun of paddling on the river, we learned about Māori history, culture, and language. If you come to Christchurch, this trip is a must.
Kia ora, Thank you for your kind words. We’re so pleased you connected with the kōrero, culture, and time on the awa. Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
Our guides were great. They were very knowledgeable on the history of the area and their Māori heritage. We all enjoyed the experience. They made it fun for my son, who was the only kid. Stellllllaaaaa, I choose you! Thank you!
Kia ora, Thanks so much for your review! We’re glad you all had a great time, and that your son enjoyed it too. We’ll pass on your “Stellllllaaaaa, I choose you!” 😊 Ngā mihi, The Waka on Avon Team
Such a fun activity ! Highly recommend. The group leaders were fun to interact with and the paddling was a new experience for us!
Kia ora, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the the waka paddling and had a great time with our team. Thanks for the recommendation. Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
Such a fun activity! We paddled up the Avon and got to learn a bit about Maori culture and the history of the area from our awesome guides Stella and Isaiah. Very casual and relaxed vibe. Yes you do need to help paddle but only for a few minutes at a time. We would just travel a short distance up the river and then drift back. (Feels completely safe as the river is shallow and calm, you're not likely to even get wet.) There were 9 guests on our tour although the waka could have fit more.
Kia ora, Thank you for your review. We’re so glad you enjoyed your time on the Avon with Stella and Isaiah – we’ll pass on your kind words. Hope to see you again soon! Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
Waka on Avon is a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic, fun, and memorable experience in learning more about the Māori people and their culture! The Māori cultural guides not only have extensive knowledge but also have deep roots and respect for their culture, people, and land. Every aspect of the experience is thoughtful, enjoyable, and meaningful: a warm & heartfelt welcome in Māori, team building and learning Māori with the oars, and riding in the waka together while deeply listening to the Māori cultural guides’ beautiful and powerful voices! This was easily one of our highlights of our entire Aotearoa New Zealand trip. Thank you Waka on Avon team!
Kia ora, We’re so glad to hear your experience on the Avon River / Ōtākaro was a highlight of your Aotearoa trip. It means a lot to our team to share our culture and stories with you. We hope to see you again soon! Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
What an experience ! After our trip in New Zealand we wanted to better understand New Zealand and the Maori culture and that was the case thanks to the Waka on Avon experience. The Maori guides, welcomed us with a traditional haka and then continued by explaining us the Maori culture in New Zealand and the differences between the South and North Island. Then we embarked on a traditional waka in which we did a nice tour on the Avon river while the guides were singing traditional maori songs. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to discover Maori culture, for kids couple and family. The tour lasted more than 1h30 and allowed us to discover the Maori culture in Christchurch, The price is very reasonable (less than 100S per person) for a semi-private tour (we were only 4 in the boat which allowed a nice experience)
Kia ora, Thank you for your wonderful review, we're so happy to hear you enjoyed your cultural experience with us! Thank you for the recommendation, safe travels! Ngā mihi, Waka on Avon whānau
