Kaitiaki Waka Experience
Become a Guardian of the Ōtākaro Avon River
Kaitiaki in te reo Māori means “guardian”. This is a 45-minute Māori waka experience in Christchurch on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Begin with a mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome) before stepping into the role of kaitiaki (guardian) and paddling a waka (canoe) with local Ngāi Tūāhuriri guides.
Discover why this spring-fed river is a living mahinga kai — a source of food, culture, and responsibility, and learn how your journey supports its ongoing restoration.
About this experience:
Kaitiaki is a guided Christchurch waka experience on the Ōtākaro Avon River that invites you to step into the role of guardian and connect with the river in a meaningful way.
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.
What you will 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
This tour is perfect for visitors who are looking for:
Unique things to do in Christchurch
Māori waka experiences in Christchurch
Cultural river tours in Christchurch
Outdoor activities with meaning and storytelling
A deeper connection to place and environment
Pricing:
Adult
$79
Child (5-15)
$45
Infant (0-4)
Free
Family (2A+2C)
$205
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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).
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.
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.
Explore our other experiences
Manaaki
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
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.