Waka on Avon

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au | I am the river, the river is me
Book Now
Find Us
794 Colombo Street Christchurch

Nau mai, haere mai.
Welcome.

Step into a living history - where stories of the past still walk beside the present. Our local Māori guides welcome you to share in moments of learning, connection and discovery. Just a five-minute stroll from the city's cafés, shopping and the Riverside Market, we're waiting at Stop 17 on the Christchurch tram line.

Our Kaupapa

Immersive Māori Experiences

Whether you're looking for a unique experience or ticking off the top things to see and do in Christchurch, our waka paddle, guided walking tour and Mahika Kai (food) tasting offer something deeper - a real connection to the city's living cultural heritage.
Learn More

Mahika Kai

Kaitiaki Waka

Manaaki Waka

Te Ara Walking Tour

Explore with Waka on Avon

Waka (canoe) are back on the Ōtākaro Avon River.

Join one of Christchurch's most meaningful Māori cultural experiences, paddling a handcrafted waka alongside local Ngāi Tūāhuriri kaiārahi (guides) as you learn its place in early Māori life and transport, the river's significance as a mahinga kai, and the shared stories that shaped this city.

Experiences depart from 794 Colombo Street, opposite Victoria Square, central Christchurch.

Book Now

Hear it from our visitors

Informative Māori Experience

Thomas was amazing! My friend and I learnt so much about the Māori culture and the importance of the history.

Keisha

A fabulous paddle trip!

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.

Eric

Engaging and fun

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!

Sara

An incredibly authentic and enjoyable experience!

We had the pleasure of joining the Kaitiaki tour - the small team looking after us were wonderful, funny and friendly, sharing stories of Maori culture, the waka and the surrounding area as we paddled up and down the Avon to traditional waiata. Would highly recommend to all visitors and locals of Otautahi, a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience! Ka pai!

Trip Advisor

Highlight in Christchurch

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.)

Annabelle

Great taste of Māori culture

I recently joined the Kaitiaki Tour with Waka on Avon, and it was an amazing experience! Our guides, Thomas and Matteo, were knowledgeable and engaging, sharing captivating Māori history and storytelling throughout the trip.

Melissa

A must do in Christchurch - great experience

Waka - Manaaki On the Ōtākaro, Avon River. Very cool experience for Christchurch. The guys are so experienced and knowledgeable well done all 3 of your team members spoke well and made this experience so much fun . Loved it

Trip Advisor

Our Other Attractions

Open Today
9:30am to 5pm
Find Us
60 Hussey Road
Meet New Zealand's unique animals

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

New Zealand’s most comprehensive NZ themed wildlife park, the Willowbank experience tells the story of our country’s natural heritage.

Go to site
Open Today
9:00am to 4:30pm
Find Us
38 Orchard Road
Experience Antarctica

International Antarctic Centre

The world's premier Antarctic experience, carefully designed to offer adrenalin and inspiration, education and entertainment.

Go to site

Visit Us

Explore and learn, book your cultural experience today.

Book Now

FAQs

A waka is a traditional Māori canoe used for transport, travel, gathering food and connecting communities.

Waka have been paddled on the Ōtākaro Avon River as far back as the 1700s. Māori first travelled to Aotearoa New Zealand aboard a waka hourua (double-hulled sailing waka), and over time waka became an important part of daily life and transport.

In Christchurch’s early days, before roads were established and much of the landscape was swamp, Māori and early settlers regularly used the Ōtākaro Avon River to transport trading goods and equipment. Waka also hold deep cultural and ancestral significance that continues today.

We currently operate two 14-seater Waka. We can have up to 28 customers per tour.

Waka on Avon run daily tours with various times available throughout the day: Kaitiaki (45-min waka experience), Te Ara (60-min walking tour) and Manaaki (75-min waka experience).

Tours depart from 794 Colombo Street, opposite Victoria Square in central Christchurch.

Yes, your experience includes storytelling and insights into the cultural significance of the Ōtākaro Avon River, alongside the history and traditions of the local iwi, Ngāi Tahu, and local hapū, Ngāi Tūāhuriri. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the connections between people, place and the waterways of this region.

We currently accommodate a maximum of 28 people per waka and walking tour.

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

No special level of fitness is required. Our experiences are designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of ages and abilities. While a moderate level of mobility and comfort with light physical activity is recommended, your guide will provide support throughout the journey.

We recommend comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions on the day.

Tours may still operate in light rain, but severe weather conditions may require changes or cancellations for safety reasons. Please see our Refund Policy.

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

Your Health & Safety is extremely important to us, and we take all care possible to ensure you are kept safe.

Because we operate in a Marine environment our team is

  • You can book with confidence thanks to our 100% refund guarantee (terms and conditions apply).

  • If your tour can't go ahead because of unforeseen circumstances, low numbers, or unsuitable weather, we will offer you a full refund or help you rebook for another date.

  • To cancel a booking, please email us in writing at info@wakaonavon.co.nz

  • If you cancel at least 24 hours before your paddle, we will give you a full refund.

  • If you cancel within 24 hours of your paddle, or don't show up, unfortunately, we won't be able to give you a refund.