School kids paddling to shore at Kaiteriteri

Waka Abel Tasman

Connect. Experience. Explore.

To travel across water is to connect across time and space. We feel the motion and te mauri o te wai, just as our tūpuna did. To do it in a group, connects you in a way nothing else does.

Nau mai ki Kaiteretere.
Welcome to Kaiteriteri.

Our Waka Tours

Waka Family Tours, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park

Public Trips

Embrace the spirit of adventure. At Waka Abel Tasman, we take you or your group on a journey of discovery – combining idyllic surrounds, exercise, history and tradition. Our tours will connect and empower.

Choose a Waka Tour

School Groups

Our outdoor education experiences fit with the current school curriculum and provide empowering experiences for kids of all ages. The trips incorporate te ao Māori, history, team work and physical activity.

Explore our School Trips

Group waka tour to Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri

Corporate Teams

To travel across water is to connect across time and space. To do it as a group, connects you in a way nothing else does. Waka is hard to beat for teambuilding and for empowering individuals within a team or group.

See our Corporate Options

What people are saying about our tours

<img src="https://wakaabeltasman.nz/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="star rating" class="wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file">  Absolutely love this trip, could not rate it high enough. It was by far the best experience we had in the South Island. Thomas and Calum were so informative. If... read more anyone is thinking of joining this trip, do it!
<img src="https://wakaabeltasman.nz/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_outline.png" alt="tripadvisor logo" class="wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo">
<img src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-l/1a/f6/f0/9f/default-avatar-2020-16.jpg" alt="avatar thumb" class="wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4" loading="lazy"/>Jasmine L
25 December, 2022 

<img src="https://wakaabeltasman.nz/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="star rating" class="wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file">  This was an absolute highlight for me, the knowledge shared by Thomas was so good and it was put across in such a great way.  The paddling side was... read more amazing (when I managed to stay in time!!) and I thoroughly enjoyed the game of cat'n'mouse against the younger crew out on their training paddle. 

I would highly recommend this experience.
<img src="https://wakaabeltasman.nz/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_outline.png" alt="tripadvisor logo" class="wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo">
X6782OXjob
25 February, 2022 

<img src="https://wakaabeltasman.nz/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="star rating" class="wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file">  I would recommend this trip to everyone if they get a chance. Is suitable for young children too . My grandchildren are 6 years and 4 years and they loved... read more it!



You learn to paddle a Waka, learn Te reo, learn about the cultural history and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kaiteriteri and Tokongawa. We also enjoyed some delicious refreshments produced locally.



Thank you to Thomas for his excellent guiding-great fun! Nga mihi nui to Todd, Lee-Anne and all your Waka Abel Tasman crew!
<img src="https://wakaabeltasman.nz/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_outline.png" alt="tripadvisor logo" class="wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo">
gillt945
15 January, 2022 

"Manaaki moana, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua"

Care for the sea, care for the people, move forward as one

Why us

Waka - a truly unique experience

Waka (Māori canoe) are the living expression of our tūpuna (ancestors) who sailed the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years. As the only form of transport across oceans and waterways, waka were vital to our travel and trade.

By paddling in our waka hourua (double-hulled vessel) you share in our treasured ocean heritage. Waka is an inclusive experience where everyone can feel the joy of working as part of a team.

We begin and end all our trips with a karakia (blessing) for protection. You will learn tikanga (etiquette) associated with waka before becoming familiar with the boat and embarking on our haerenga (journey).

Learn More About Us

Skilled cultural ocean navigators

#1 Rated on TripAdvisor

Large or small groups,
or individuals

Manaakitanga and safety is at our core

Make a booking today

Treat you and your whānau to a new adventure that's as old as civilisation itself. Feel the breeze on your face, the drag of the water against your paddle and the hugely rewarding sense of working together as one. Paddling waka connects you to a rich cultural heritage but it's also great fun. Prepare to get hooked!

Book Your Trip Get in touch