Te Ara Walk Experience
Walk hidden ancestral trails.
Te Ara in te reo Māori means the pathway.
A cultural walking tour in central Christchurch and a must-do for visitors exploring the city. Follow the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor and discover hidden stories, taonga, and places of cultural significance.
Perfect for all ages, this personable cultural experience connects you through whakapapa (ancestral lineage) and the sharing of mātauranga knowledge. Mātauranga knowledge can refer to ‘old Knowledge’ and predate the arrival of Māori to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Reflecting the traditions of whanaungatanga (connection, relationships, and shared experiences), this experience is led by kaiārahi (local guides) who share the stories, symbolism, and cultural significance woven throughout the city landscape.
The Experience
Your journey begins with a mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome), before setting off on an interactive storytelling walk through central Christchurch, including Victoria Square, where Māori and colonial histories are reflected through architecture, carvings, design, and places of significance.
THE PERFECT TOUR FOR:
A guided walking tour in Christchurch.
A unique Māori cultural experience in Christchurch.
A family-friendly and educational activity.
A deeper understanding of Christchurch’s history and landscape.
Explore our other experiences
Manaaki Waka Experience
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).
Kaitiaki Waka Experience
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).
Mahika Kai
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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.