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
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
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).
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.