Te Ara Walking Tour
Discover the hidden stories of Christchurch’s Avon River.
Te Ara in te reo Māori means “the pathway”. Te Ara is a 60-minute Māori cultural walking tour in central Christchurch and a must-do experience for visitors exploring the city. Follow the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor and discover hidden stories, taonga, and places of cultural significance on a guided cultural walk.
About this experience:
Te Ara is a guided Christchurch walking tour that explores Māori history, storytelling, and cultural landmarks along the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor — a meaningful way to experience the city’s cultural landscape.
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.
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.
Along the way, you will explore:
Māori storytelling and local history in Christchurch
Traditional carvings and cultural symbolism
Sustainable mahinga kai practices (customs and values associated with food gathering and the protection of natural resources)
Community-led restoration of the Ōtākaro Avon River
The Ōtākaro Orchard community gardens and food hub
This experience also highlights the important role volunteers play in restoring the river corridor and revitalising traditional knowledge and sustainable practices for future generations.
Every booking directly supports the ongoing restoration and care of the Ōtākaro Avon River and mahinga kai gardens.
This tour is perfect for visitors who are looking for:
Things to do in Christchurch city centre
Guided walking tours in Christchurch
Māori cultural experiences in Christchurch
Family-friendly and educational activities
A deeper understanding of Christchurch’s history and landscape
Pricing:
Adult
$89
Child (5-15)
$55
Infant (0-4)
Free
Family (2A+2C)
$230
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).
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).