Mahika Kai Experience
A cultural and culinary journey
Mahika kai in te reo Māori means to work the food.
Seasonal harvesting follows the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and is especially celebrated during Matariki, the rising of the Pleiades, which marks the Māori New Year.
Take a guided riverside walk to learn about our mahika kai history, board a traditional waka and paddle along the Ōtākaro Avon River to understand its importance as a food source, and finish with a kai (food) tasting fresh from the whenua (land).
Every Mahika Kai experience directly supports the ongoing restoration of the Ōtākaro, Avon River and the continuation of cultural knowledge sharing through guided storytelling and practice.
The experience
Guests are welcomed with a traditional mihi whakatau (Māori welcome)
A 30-minute leisurely guided riverside walk alongside the Ōtākaro, Avon River
to discover the hidden whakairo (stories) found within carvings, art and urban designs
A 30-minute guided waka journey on the Ōtākaro, Avon River
Conclude your experience with a 30-minute kai (food-tasting) at the Ōtakaro Orchard
Māori storytelling and cultural knowledge sharing
Understanding the river as a living mahika kai
Insight into restoration and environmental care.
THE PERFECT TOUR FOR:
A premium Māori cultural experience in Christchurch.
A deeper Christchurch waka and kai experience.
Meaningful group or shared cultural activities.
Visitors wanting connection, not just sightseeing.
Travellers seeking something immersive.
Explore our other experiences
Kaitiaki Waka
Waka | Wellbeing | 45 mins NZD $79 pp
A 45-minute Māori waka experience in Christchurch on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Begin with a traditional welcome and step into the role of kaitiaki (guardian) as you paddle a traditional waka and learn about the river’s cultural significance as a restoration site and mahinga kai (customs and values associated with food gathering).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.