<ul>
	<li>If cancellations are required due to government-imposed travel restrictions, your booking can be moved to a later date within 12 months at no extra cost</li>
	<li>Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will incur 100% charges</li>
	<li>If you do not attend your scheduled booking, the full booking fee will be charged</li>
	<li>All refund decisions are at the sole discretion of the Tour Operator and are assessed on a case-by-case basis</li>
	<li>Tours may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather or minimum safety requirements (minimum 4&nbsp;passengers required). If cancelled by the operator and unable to reschedule, a full refund will be provided</li>
</ul>

We currently operate one 14-seater and one 16-seater waka, allowing for a maximum of 30 guests per tour.

We currently accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers per tour. Bookings will be rescheduled or cancelled in advance if we do not meet a minimum of 4 passengers before the tour. This is a matter of health and safety, as well as your comfort!

Our tours are 75 minutes long, with a morning and afternoon session available to book online. If you wish to extend or shorten the tour to suit your group, please feel free to email us.

Manaaki in te reo Māori means &quot;to care&quot;. This immersive Māori cultural experience invites visitors to connect with the people, stories, and natural environment of Christchurch through a guided waka journey on the Ōtākaro Avon River.

&nbsp;

The experience begins with a traditional Māori welcome (mihi whakatau) led by local Ngāi Tūāhuriri guides. Guests learn a traditional kaihoe (paddler) warm-up game and kaihoe haka before boarding a traditional waka and paddling along the spring-fed river.

&nbsp;

Throughout the journey, guides share Māori storytelling, mātauranga (knowledge passed through generations), and insights into the river&#39;s cultural significance as a living mahinga kai. Visitors also learn about ongoing restoration efforts that help protect and preserve this important waterway.

Duration

Max Group Size

Fitness Level

Start & End Location

Eco Tour

Best Seller

maori-waka-tour-avon-river-christchurch.jpg

waka-tour-avon-river

Ko Tane

Arrival time. 794 Colombo Street.

<ul>
	<li>Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us!</li>
	<li data-end="857" data-section-id="14ers05" data-start="805">Traditional Māori welcome ceremony (mihi whakatau)</li>
	<li data-end="920" data-section-id="cmsngc" data-start="858">Guided Māori cultural waka journey on the Ōtākaro Avon River</li>
	<li data-end="966" data-section-id="1c2n7ju" data-start="921">Learn a kaihoe warm-up game and kaihoe haka</li>
	<li data-end="1027" data-section-id="1j9170y" data-start="967">Paddle a traditional waka with local Ngāi Tūāhuriri guides</li>
	<li data-end="1087" data-section-id="pr6f5i" data-start="1028">Māori storytelling and mātauranga (traditional knowledge)</li>
	<li data-end="1147" data-section-id="100anp" data-start="1088">Discover the river&#39;s significance as a living mahinga kai</li>
	<li data-end="1216" data-section-id="17wjoph" data-start="1148">Insights into local restoration and environmental care initiatives</li>
	<li data-end="1258" data-section-id="119nhb8" data-start="1217">75-minute immersive cultural experience</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Pets are not allowed on the Waka, as they can be unpredictable or distracting on the water and may pose a safety risk</li>
	<li>Guests must park responsibly. Tour Operator accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage related to the use of car parks or nearby parking areas</li>
	<li>We reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any visitor who behaves inappropriately or does not follow staff instructions or signage</li>
	<li>No commercial or fundraising activities are permitted on-site without prior written approval</li>
	<li><a>If liability is found to rest with the&nbsp;</a>Tour Operator, any compensation will be limited to the amount paid for entry or the relevant booking</li>
	<li data-end="483" data-section-id="1itv6k" data-start="296">A minimum of 4 participants is required to paddle the waka. If minimum numbers are not met, guests will be contacted within 24 hours of departure to arrange an alternative date or time</li>
	<li data-end="564" data-section-id="v07z4q" data-start="484">For group bookings of 30 or more guests, please contact the operator directly</li>
	<li data-end="650" data-section-id="1mtgp5u" data-start="565">Life jackets are provided and must be worn by all children aged 15 years and under</li>
	<li data-end="741" data-section-id="189utut" data-start="683">An adult must be booked before adding a child or infant.</li>
	<li data-end="861" data-section-id="18x8wym" data-start="742">Minimum supervision ratios apply:
	<ul data-end="861" data-start="780">
		<li data-end="818" data-section-id="1n3tcmu" data-start="780">1 adult per 2 children under 5 years</li>
		<li data-end="861" data-section-id="3oghv3" data-start="821">1 adult per 3 children aged 5&ndash;15 years</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li data-end="944" data-section-id="1a94ff6" data-start="862">All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult</li>
	<li data-end="1017" data-section-id="86wzw4" data-start="945">All children aged 15 years and under must wear a provided life jacket</li>
</ul>

Manaaki Māori Cultural Waka Experience

Australia

Sydney

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Hanoi

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Venice

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Canada

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Laos

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Malta

JUCY

Backpackerdeals

Experience waka paddling on the Ōtākaro Avon River in Christchurch. Discover Māori culture, history & scenic river views. Book today with Backpacker Deals.

Waka Tour on Ōtākaro Avon River, Christchurch | JUCY

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Manaaki Māori Cultural Waka Experience

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Manaaki Māori Cultural Waka Experience

Manaaki Māori Cultural Waka Experience Highlights

What to Expect

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Reviews for Manaaki Māori Cultural Waka Experience

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Frequently Asked Questions