Manaaki Waka Experience
A deeper Christchurch waka experience where visitors become whānau
Manaaki in te reo Māori means "to care for". This is a 75-minute Māori cultural waka experience in Christchurch on the Ōtākaro Avon River. Begin with a mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome) before becoming whānau (family) through storytelling, learning a warm-up game and paddling a traditional waka.
This is a deeper Christchurch experience that connects you to manaakitanga, the spirit of hospitality, care, and shared connection.
About this experience
Manaaki is an immersive Christchurch waka experience on the Ōtākaro, Avon River designed to deepen your connection to place, people, and culture.
Your journey begins with a mihi whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome led by local Ngāi Tūāhuriri kaiārahi (guides). From there, you are invited into the concept of manaakitanga; the practice of hospitality, generosity, and care, as you move from manuhiri (visitor) to whānau (family).
Before entering the waka, you will learn a traditional kaihoe (paddler) warm-up game and kaihoe haka, connecting physically and culturally to the experience ahead. You will then paddle the spring-fed waters of the Ōtākaro, Avon River, a living mahinga kai that has sustained generations.
Throughout the journey, guides share mātauranga (knowledge passed through generations), storytelling, and insights into the ongoing restoration of the river corridor.
What you will experience:
A mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome)
Learn a kaihoe (paddler) warm-up game and kaihoe haka
A 75-minute guided waka journey on the Ōtākaro, Avon River
Māori storytelling and cultural knowledge sharing
Understanding the river as a living mahinga kai
Insight into restoration and environmental care
This is a more in-depth Māori cultural experience in Christchurch, designed for those wanting more than a short introduction. The Manaaki waka tour offers time to slow down, connect, and engage with both the river and its stories on a deeper level.
This tour is perfect for visitors who are looking for:
A premium Māori cultural experience in Christchurch
A deeper Christchurch waka experience
Meaningful group or shared cultural activities
Visitors wanting connection, not just sightseeing
Repeat travellers to New Zealand seeking something more immersive
Every Manaaki experience directly supports the ongoing restoration of the Ōtākaro, Avon River and the continuation of cultural knowledge sharing through guided storytelling and practice.
Pricing:
Adult
$99
Child (5-15)
$55
Infant (0-4)
Free
Family (2A+2C)
$250
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The experience takes place on the Ōtākaro Avon River, opposite Victoria Square in central Christchurch. The meeting spot is at 794 Colombo Street at our office.
No prior paddling experience is required. Your guides will teach you everything you need to know before and during the waka journey.
Manaaki means to care for. In this experience, it refers to manaakitanga; the practice of hospitality, generosity, and care.
Mahinga kai refers to customs and practices associated with food gathering. It includes the values, knowledge, and responsibility of protecting natural resources that have sustained communities for generations.
A waka is a traditional Māori canoe. Waka have been paddled on the Ōtākaro, Avon River as far back as the 1700's. Māori sailed to Aotearoa, New Zealand on Waka Hourua (double-hull sailing waka). Single-hull waka became an important part of the early transport days of Christchurch city with no roads and nothing but swamp, Māori and early settlers collaborated regularly to transport trading goods and equipment up and down the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Yes, the experience is suitable for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and guides ensure the experience is safe and accessible for most ages.
The experience operates in most weather conditions. If conditions are unsafe, guests will be contacted directly to discuss your booking.
The Ōtākaro Avon River is a culturally significant, spring-fed waterway in Christchurch that has long supported mahinga kai practices and continues to be the focus of ongoing restoration and community care.
We currently operate two 14-seater Waka. We can have up to 28 customers per tour.
Explore our other experiences
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Kaitiaki
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).
adult
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.