Discover Wellington’s greatest Māori waterfront experience
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
The only experience of its kind in a capital city! Discover Wellington’s greatest Māori waterfront experience.
Jump on board our waka tētē, Poutu or Te Taumata, paddle on our stunning harbour while learning about waka (traditionally carved canoe) culture. Enhancing culture, spirituality, and unity. Our friendly experienced guides will take you through everything you need to know to become kaihoe (paddlers). A unique and enchanting tour that offers insight into Māori culture. This tour is great for team building & togetherness. This experience includes one of our unique T-shirts. Get your whānau, work or sports team together and book one of Wellingtons most unique experiences.
You may get wet, so we recommend that you wear appropriate clothing. 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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Mihi whakatau | Whakawhānaunga | Introduction speech about Te Āti Awa people | Traditional Waka knowledge | Health and Safety | Waka drills | Learn 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 | Aboard the waka | Practice the art of waka | Connect to the environment in Te Whanganui a Tara | Listen to stories while on the water | Poroaki Experience a traditional Māori welcome at the start of the tour and be introduced to our custom practices woven throughout the 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.
Options
Discover Wellington’s greatest Māori waterfront experience
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do Waka Ama Tour
Daydream42509275256,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Wellington with a moderate level of physical fitness. It offers a unique opportunity to ride in a traditional waka and gain a deeper appreciation of Māori culture through an authentic and immersive cultural experience. Yes, the environment and weather was a total blissful. Not to forget the lovely and very welcoming team. Kudos to them.
Welcome Mouri Mythology
marylE878FH,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00How exciting to hear about the stories from Maori mythology as told by the young guides from this centre. To witness tradition and be welcomed to participate in ceremony was an honour. These fearless young Kiwi's are proud of their heritage. We had a great time. Thank you. If you have an interest in the Mouri journey and story telling you will enjoy this tour.
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Operated by Te Wharewaka o Poneke