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">  Fantastic combo of learning about NZ Māori culture, exploring Abel Tasman and connecting with your fellow paddlers. Highly recommend!
<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">
fionalove99
15 August, 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">  Absolutely enjoyed our waka experience with Thomas guiding us yesterday. I'm not a confident sea swimmer and was a bit apprehensive but Thomas put us all at ease with his... read more enthusiasm and expertise. It was a great way to explore the area and learn about the history behind it. We've lived in NZ for over 5 years now and this was probably one of our favourite ways to immerse ourselves more in Maori culture and learn to speak the language a bit more confidently. We also loved the little stop on the beach to enjoy some kai and doing the haka whilst re-entering Kaiteretere was pretty epic. 



Thanks Thomas and the entire team at Waka Abel Tasman for such a positive experience - would love to return to do it again with my other friends & whanau next time!
<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">
mei_soo
1 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">  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 

"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

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