Waka Tours
Te Wharewaka o Pōneke Waka Tours
Wellington’s best Māori experience on the water
Three traditionally carved working waka/canoes are housed in the iconic Te Wharewaka o Poneke 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 the Waka.
Tour Information
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
Cost $140 per person. Minimum of 8 passengers required.
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.
Cost $105 per person. Minimum of 8 passengers required.
Cultural Education and Exclusive Group Tours
Our Waka tours are a great way to get to know the Wellington’s history and undertake Māori cultural engagement activities with your team. Our team will work with you to incorporate specific educational or corporate objectives.
See here for our Māori Cultural Education Prospectus
For more information on how you can be part of our journey visit our booking page, we also offer walking tours or you can or phone us on to discuss your specific requirements.
