Todd, Lee-Anne and family at Kaiteriteri

Our whānau

Our family loves waka

Our family loves waka, the outdoors, tikanga Māori (correct Māori etiquette) and sharing these things with others.
Lee-Anne and Todd Jago,
with daughters Awatea and Aria

Manaaki tangata

Caring for people

Our community is at the heart of what we do

Our community is at the heart of what we do and we are passionate about uplifting rangatahi (young people) and supporting healthy lifestyles.

Todd (Ngāti Raukawa) enjoys training rangatahi for waka ama competitions and Lee-Anne (Ngāti Māhuta, Ngāti Pou, Ngāti Raukawa) does a lot of work with waka and local community groups. We invite you to join us and help us to help support our community's growth and empowerment.
Todd talking to young man

Your safety comes first

Passionate about supporting healthy lifestyles

Our community is at the heart of what we do and we are passionate about uplifting rangatahi (young people) and supporting healthy lifestyles.Todd (Ngāti Raukawa) enjoys training rangatahi for waka ama competitions and Lee-Anne (Ngāti Māhuta, Ngāti Pou, Ngāti Raukawa) does a lot of work with waka and local community groups. We invite you to join us and help us to help support our community's growth and empowerment.

Your hosts

National and international waka ama medalists

Todd has competed in waka ama at both national and international levels and was a member of the team that took gold at the IVF Va'a World Sprint Championships in May 2016. He is a technical expert in the Adventure Tourism industry.

Lee-Anne has 20 years' experience in guiding, instructing and managing adventure tourism enterprises and has also competed in waka ama at both national and international levels.
Keri blowing a pūmoanaTodd Jago helps a small child with put on a lifejacket

What people are saying about our tours

star rating  This was a highlight of our time in Kaiteriteri! Thomas was a fantastic guide. A brilliant way to explore some of this beautiful area while getting some exercise and an... read more

KMBint
1 April, 2022

star rating  Excellent experience in a beautiful location. Our guide Thomas was wonderful and managed to teach us a lot about Maori culture and traditions in a relaxed and fun way.... read more

avatar thumb limolly
31 October, 2022

star rating  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

X6782OXjob
25 February, 2022

"Manaaki moana, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua"

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

What to bring for your waka experience

  • Shorts
  • Quick dry top and/or thermal top
  • Warm fleece
  • Rain coat
  • Water shoes or barefeet is fine
  • Water
  • Sunblock
  • Sun hat, sunglasses

FAQs / Pātai

  • Will I get wet?

    Most probably. You will get wet feet getting into the waka and there could be splashing from sea and paddle. It’s all part of the fun!

  • Why do I need to take water?

    It is wise to hydrate when in the waka. You might be having too much fun to notice that you’re exercising but there is some physical effort involved, so it’s a good idea to have water handy.

  • Will I need to wear a lifejacket?

    Yes, that is part of our safety procedure. We supply lifejackets.

  • Do I have to be young and fit to do this?

    Paddling a waka is something you can do sitting down! Because a waka team shares the work, age and physical fitness aren’t as important as they might be in other activities. Just relax, do what you can and enjoy being part of a team.

  • What happens if the weather's bad?

    Please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

  • I have a bad back. Will I find paddling uncomfortable?

    Sitting in a waka is comfortable and easier on the hamstrings than sitting in a kayak. There are no back rests, however. Only you know the extent of your back issues, so only you can assess whether or not paddling in a waka will aggravate the problem. If you are unsure, we recommend caution.

  • I don't know anything about Maori culture and I'm concerned I might offend someone

    Please don’t worry! By sharing tikanga Māori (correct Māori etiquette), we want to give you a wonderful, cultural experience. It’s easy, relaxed and not at all confronting.

Make a booking today

Treat you and your team 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!
Lee-Anne teaching students about waka on the beach at Kaiteriterithe jago whanau at KaiteriteriTodd Jago teaching people how to paddle waka on the beach at Kaiteriteri