Māori Waka Journey
Deepen your connection to māori culture and our natural environment as you voyage across the enchanting Waikouaiti River in a modern waka and immerse yourself in the customs, stories and traditions of the past. Experience how our people traversed the oceans on a waka to discover and call New Zealand home.
You'll paddle your way upriver, then spend some time on Ohinepouwera (the Spit), where the local iwi have developed a 200-year planting plan, replacing exotic species with native plants. As part of our coastal restoration program, you'll transport and plant native harakeke (flax) as you make your way through native bush to a hidden white sand beach. Here you’ll get to explore the South Pacific coastline by foot before paddling across the estuary to the Karitāne Māori Tours home base.
The tour length is two hours and includes tea, coffee and light snacks back at base.