Wellington’s best Māori experience on the water
Wellington’s best Māori experience on the water
Four traditionally carved working waka (canoes)are housed in the iconic Te Wharewaka o Pōneke building which sits between Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum and the waterfront. A traditional Māori mihi whakatau (welcome) including waiata (song) and introductions awaits visitors to Te Wharewaka o Pōneke. Our friendly experienced guides will take you through everything you need to know to become kaihoe (paddlers), teaching you the basic commands and chants, haka and salutes, in preparation for your once in a lifetime memorable waka experience paddling on one of the traditionally carved waka. A unique and enchanting tour that offers insight into Māori culture.
Waka Tour (1 hour)
Come join us at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke on board our waka Poutu or Te Taumata and take advantage of this interactive cultural experience unique to Wellington ‘The Coolest Little Capital in the World’. This experience is ideal for whānau (families) and groups wanting to discover and learn about our waka culture and paddle on our beautiful harbour.
On your arrival you will be welcomed with a mihi whakatau (traditional welcome) and make connections with our crew and others on your tour. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will then teach you how to paddle our waka before taking to the water.
Come together and discover Wellington’s best Māori experience on the water – He Waka Kotahi, He waka eke noa.
Waka Tour (2 hours)
This is an excellent way to gather a team together for kaupapa/objective driven events. Team building, professional development, celebrations, graduations, te reo me ona tikanga (cultural engagement) or just plain fun! First you are welcomed to our whare (house) with a mihi whakatau you will begin to make connections with our crew and others on your tour. From there the group starts to learn how to paddle before going on the water in our waka ‘Poutu’.
Wellington’s best Māori experience on the water is a great way to bring your team or whānau together and paddle your waka in unison – He Waka Kotahi, He waka eke noa.
Exclusive Waka and Māori Cultural Walking Tour (3 hours)
An exclusive Waka and Māori Cultural Walking tour takes visitors on Wellington’s best Māori experience on the water and on land. Be guided through the mihi whakatau (welcome) and whakawhanaungatanga (introductions). Our guides will teach you everything you need to know – learn the ancient style of paddling, all the salutes, chants and haka for on the water, and then back on land our guides will take you on an exclusive Māori cultural walking tour of significant Māori cultural sites to discover Wellington’s hidden Māori treasures.
Waka Tour – 1 hour
- NZD $55 per person.
- Tours depart at 9am and 12pm.
- Minimum of 8 passengers. Talk to our team about larger groups.
Bookings are essential.
Waka Tour – 2 hours
Tours depart at 9am and 12pm.
Cost $105 per person.
Minimum of 8 passengers required. Talk to our team about larger groups.
Bookings are essential.
Exclusive Waka and Māori Cultural Walking Tour
3 hours
Tours depart at 9am and 12pm.
Cost $140 per person.
Minimum of 8 passengers required. Talk to our team about larger groups.
Bookings are essential.
Wet Weather Plan – On Land Waka Tour
Waka tours are weather dependent. If the weather forecast is unsuitable leading to concerns about passenger safety, we will liaise with you to move the tour to another day.
Where an alternate date is not available, an on-land waka tour can be conducted. Passengers will learn all the techniques, waka chants, salutes and calls as if they were going to go out on the waka – they just won’t get wet!
The on-land waka tour includes an extended Māori Cultural Walking Tour taking in cultural sites and points of interest and cultural significance along Wellington’s picturesque Waterfront.
What To Wear
You may get wet, so we recommend that you wear appropriate clothing with warm layers, boat shoes or jandals. You can bring a full change of clothing and a towel if you like as there are changing facilities on site. All passengers and crew wear a personal flotation device on board the waka. We have personal flotation devices in a wide range of sizes and seek to include all tour participants, including children. Haere mai (come along)!