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Abel Tasman & Nelson Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
WAKA Tour - Split Apple Rock - Toka Ngawha Waka Tours
Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience by paddling a Maori waka through some of the most sensational parts of New Zealand’s spectacular Abel Tasman National Park!
Highlights
- Discover the heart of New Zealand as you learn about Maori culture through a traditional waka (canoe) journey.
- Feel the spiritual value of working with a team as we embark on an easy paddle through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.
Inclusive, enjoyable and great for all ages, our haerenga (journey) includes an easy 2-hour return voyage along peaceful coastlines featuring golden sand beaches and vibrant native forest as we paddle together towards the iconic Toka Ngawhā, also known as Split Apple Rock.
Along the way we will share with you our knowledge of the beautiful Maori culture as you experience the empowerment that comes through working with a team. Our spoken blessings called karakia will provide spiritual protection for our voyage through this safe and stunning section of New Zealand.
Within Maori culture, the waka or canoe is considered a living expression of our tupuna (ancestors), who navigated the vast Pacific Ocean in similar vessels for thousands of years. The experience of this journey will connect you to this tradition as you learn about the tikanga (etiquette) associated with waka.
Truly a “must do” activity while visiting New Zealand!
Experience: Not necessary
Start/Finish Location: Kaiteriteri Boat Ramp, Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri, Nelson.
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 20 authenticated Bookme reviews
cedricl from United Kingdom wrote on 29 November 2018
Amazing experience!
Merci beaucoup Lee Anne What a special morning it was and great to learn and share some of your Maori culture. Dawn also really enjoyed it and was really appreciating you took her fear of water away. We loved the company of Theresa and her family and all her Maori influences and knowledge. It is a peaceful, cultural, interesting and fun experience we truly recommend to everyone. Huge thanks again Mihi Koe Kia Ora Cédric et Dawn
From WAKA Tour - Split Apple Rock - Toka Ngawha Waka Tours
Thank you so much Cedric, it was lovely to meet you both. I would love to try your cooking one day :)
Daphne from Australia wrote on 21 November 2018
Four sister's and one husband
Lots of fun learnt lot's highly recommend
From WAKA Tour - Split Apple Rock - Toka Ngawha Waka Tours
Ngā mihi e te Whanau nō Te Whenua Moemoea. Thank you to the family from the land of dreaming :)
Léonie from France wrote on 23 April 2018
Unique maori experience - highly recommended!
Wonderful experience! Paddling in this Waka was amazing. And the whole experience was incredible. It's not only a great way to discover Abel Tasman and paddle in a beautiful Waka but also truly learn about Maori traditions and culture. We definitely recommend this tour. Thank you so much Lee-Anne for sharing your knowledge and love of this region.
Pavel Mackal from Czech Republic wrote on 23 April 2018
Awesome experience
Great waka host and amazing experience of maori culture and habits! definitely recomended + we had a snack in the middle of the cruise. Thank you!! Pavel
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Gillian Gallacher from New Zealand wrote on 19 February 2018
Gallacher whanau/ family
Kia ora and thank you what a wonderful day to experience a local treasure. Thank you so much for a great teaching to paddle a Waka and a trip that included an introduction to Maori culture, language and history of the region. We took my niece nephew and granddaughter so our ages ranged from 6 -65 and we all thoroughly enjoyed the morning. Ngā mihi, thank you we would love to come again.