Kaitiaki Waka Experience
Become a guardian and help save our river.
Kaitiaki in te reo Māori means guardian or protector.
Begin with an official mihi whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome that sets the tone for your journey. You will then join local Ngāi Tūāhuriri kaiārahi (guides) on the water, paddling a traditional waka along the Ōtākaro Avon River.
This experience is grounded in kaitiakitanga - the principle of guardianship, care, and protection of the natural environment. As you travel along the river, you will discover why this spring-fed awa (river) has long been valued as a mahinga kai (a source of food and cultural sustenance).
Every journey contributes directly to the ongoing restoration and care of the Ōtākaro Avon River and its surrounding ecosystems.
THE EXPERIENCE
A traditional mihi whakatau (Māori welcome).
A guided waka journey on the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Learning the role of kaitiaki (guardian) in modern Christchurch.
Stories of the river as a living mahinga kai (customs and values associated with food gathering and the protection of natural resources).
Connection to local Ngāi Tūāhuriri knowledge and storytelling.
Insight into ongoing river restoration and environmental care.
THE PERFECT TOUR FOR:
Those looking for unique things to do in Christchurch.
A Māori waka experiences in Christchurch.
Cultural river tours in Christchurch.
Outdoor activities with meaning and storytelling.
A deeper connection to place and environment.
Explore our other experiences
Manaaki Waka
Waka | Cultural Experience | 75 mins NZD $99 pp
An in-depth 75-minute waka experience in Christchurch on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Begin with a traditional welcome, then learn the kaihoe warm-up and kaihoe haka before paddling a traditional waka on the river. A deeper journey into manaakitanga (the spirit of hospitality), storytelling, and the river as a mahinga kai (customs and values associated with food gathering and the protection of natural resources).
Te Ara Walking Tour
Walk | Discovery | 60 mins NZD $89 pp
Join a 60-minute cultural walking tour through central Christchurch, starting with a traditional welcome and following the Ōtākaro Avon River to discover hidden Māori stories and significant places along the way.
Mahika Kai
Walk | Waka | Kai | 90 Mins NZD $120 pp
Beginning just minutes from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, guests are welcomed with a mihi whakatau (traditional welcome) before taking a guided riverside walk to learn our mahinga kai history. You will then board a handcrafted waka canoe and paddle along the Ōtākaro, with the tour concluding with a kai tasting at the Ōtakaro Orchard.
FAQs
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).
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.
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.