Waka on Avon

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au | I am the river, the river is me
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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.
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Mahika Kai

Walk | Waka | Kai | 90 Mins NZD $170 pp

Kaitiaki Waka

Waka | Wellbeing | 45 mins NZD $79 pp

Manaaki Waka

Waka | Cultural Experience | 75 mins NZD $99 pp

Te Ara Walking Tour

Walk | Discovery | 60 mins NZD $89 pp

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.

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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

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Explore and learn, book your cultural experience today.

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FAQs

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

We currently accommodate a maximum of 28 people per Waka Tour including our Kaitiaki, Manaaki, Mahika Kai and Te Pō Experiences, and require a minimum of 4 guests capable of paddling.

Walking Tours have no minimum or maximums.

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.

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. You can find our Policy below.

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  • 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.