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Ko Tāne Waka

4.4
9
Discover the rich heritage of Ōtākaro Avon River on an unforgettable 45-minute waka cultural paddling experience...

Discover the rich heritage of Ōtākaro Avon River on an unforgettable 45-minute waka cultural paddling experience...

Highlights

  • Experience the team and skill building of paddling a hand-crafted waka
  • Gain insights into the significant role waka played in early Māori culture
  • Explore and enjoy beautiful views of Christchurch

Centuries ago, waka were important for Māori communities, aiding migration and settlement in the lush lands of Aotearoa New Zealand. Transport yourself back in time to the era of the great Māori explorers with our immersive Waka experience.

Ko Tāne’s one-hour guided waka paddling experience allows you to learn the history and tradition of Waka. It is the perfect way to experience and engage in both Māori culture and our city’s history.

Located in downtown Christchurch, on the sacred Ōtākaro Awa (Avon River); you will be officially greeted with a mihi (Māori greeting) and provided with an overview of your visit with us.

Once onboard our waka your Kaitahutū and Kaiārahi (guide and skipper) will share the scenery of the area and the history of our city’s 170-year journey.

Adult $65.00 (16+ years)
Child $35.00 (5 - 15 years)
Infant $0.00 (0-4 years)

Duration

  • Approx 1-hour

Location

  • 794 Colombo Street
  • Christchurch Central City
  • Christchurch 8011
  • New Zealand

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Summer Waka Departures: Daily 10.30am and 12.30pm

    There is a minimum of 6 customers to go ahead with this tour. If this isn't met, your tour may be cancelled.

    Important: Please contact Operator after booking to confirm booking.

    As per our health and safety regulations, all passengers are required to be capable of independently boarding, disembarking, and paddling without the need for assistance..

  • Children must be with an adult


Available Bookings from 23 Dec to 5 Jan 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Mon 23 Dec
Tue 24 Dec
Wed 25 Dec
Thu 26 Dec
Fri 27 Dec
Sat 28 Dec
Sun 29 Dec
Mon 30 Dec
Tue 31 Dec
Wed 1 Jan
Thu 2 Jan
Fri 3 Jan
Sat 4 Jan
Sun 5 Jan

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$65.00
  • Child$35.00
  • Infant Free

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.4

9 reviews

Showing all 9 authenticated Bookme reviews

Michelle Sokolow from Germany wrote on 27 November 2023

Hat Spaß gemacht

Die Tourguides waren sehr nett. Es gab viele Informationen und wir haben ein Spiel gespielt. War sehr spaßig

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nathanielw1 from United States wrote on 10 November 2024

Excellent experience!

Our guides were awesome and provided extra time, information (including our local city Seattle’s role with Ōtautahi) and even helped us capture the day in photos! They were also incredibly knowledgable, friendly and organized to keep us on time for an great experience. Would highly recommend!

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summerandwinter from New Zealand wrote on 17 February 2024

Summer

Very good way to learn about Maori culture, we hope that everyone will be enthusiastic to participate.

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Augusta Jones from Canada wrote on 21 February 2024

A short waka journey

Lovely people and it was interesting to learn some Te reo words and learn to paddle a waka. Downsides are that we didn’t go very far, didn’t spend much time on the water (the whole experience was less than an hour and about half was on land) and were only told a couple of things about the river. 2.5/5

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Kim from New Zealand wrote on 31 January 2024

Amazing experience

Authentic, fun and interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of the city and history with us. Arohanui

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This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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