Waka on Avon

South Island's Ultimate Māori Culture Experience

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Authentic Māori Experiences

Whether you’re looking for a unique thing to do in Christchurch, a meaningful Māori cultural experience, or a memorable activity to share with friends and whānau (family), our guided walking and waka experiences offer a deeper connection to Christchurch and its living cultural heritage.

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Authentic Māori Experiences

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Kaitiaki

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Manaaki

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Te Ara

Explore Christchurch with Waka on Avon

After 160 years, waka (canoe) are back on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Join one of Christchurch’s meaningful Māori cultural experiences and discover the stories of the city, region, hapū, and iwi alongside local kaiārahi (guides).

Our guided waka experiences and cultural walking tours offer a unique way to explore Christchurch, connecting visitors to the history, landscapes, and living culture of the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor.

Paddle a handcrafted waka and learn about its importance in early Māori life and transport. Along the way, hear stories of Ngāi Tahu, the significance of the river as a mahinga kai, and the shared histories that helped shape Christchurch.

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

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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.

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

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.

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.