Our whānau
We can't wait to uplift you with our manaaki (hospitality)
Manaaki tangata
Caring for people
Our community is at the heart of what we do
When you book a trip with us you support our schools and community groups coming at a subsidised rate. To date we have close to 16,000 young people who have had a subsidised experience with Waka Abel Tasman.
We invite you to join us and help us to help support our community's growth and empowerment.
Your safety comes first
Passionate about supporting healthy lifestyles
Your hosts
National and international waka ama medalists
What people are saying about our tours
What an amazing tour! - I did a lot of tours during my month on the South Island, and this was the one I’ll carry with me the longest. Waka Abel Tasman went out of their way for us. The season hadn’t started yet, and they could easily have said no, but they made it happen anyway. That kindness set the tone for the whole day, and I felt welcomed from the moment we arrived.
The water was a gorgeous color, and our guides were warm, patient, and so knowledgeable. But what made this special is that it was one of the only times I truly understood the people and the history of the land, and why they matter. I learned so much, and it was far more meaningful than I expected. I left feeling like I was taking a small piece of the island home with me, and I’m grateful to them for that.
If you’re visiting the area, please do this tour. It’s not just a pretty paddle. It’s a chance to connect with the place in a way you can’t get from a viewpoint or a brochure. Highly, highly recommend.
Cflores9022 October, 2026
best day ever with waka abel tasman - an amazing afternoon with leanne and thomas out on te tai-o-aorere. the manaakitanga was amazing and generosity of the kaihautū to share their kōrero with us. even stopped for kai and a tea - mīharo! thank u e te whānau i will be back :—)
Liv W1 August, 2026
Great experience - thank you - Thank you very much. We took a group of 13 - 18 year old's. It was the perfect level of challenge - and it was great to see the kids increase in confidence on the waka and with the tikanga surrounding. The waka experience was accompanied by very considered conversation about the history of the area and the mana whenua connection with their lands. All in all a really fun time.
Rebecca A15 July, 2026
"Manaaki moana, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua"
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.
Are there any risks I need to be aware of?
Risk disclosure
Participating in our double hull waka experience has a low risk level. It is however an outdoor adventure activity, therefore participants are exposed to variations in weather conditions which all have an element of risk involved. Risks in undertaking this water-based activity include but are not limited to; Personal Injury (seasickness, heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning), Natural Weather Events (Flooding, Fire, Earthquake, Tsunami), and Property Damage (water damage /salt water submersion). Waka Abel Tasman mitigates these risks through thorough preparation and adherence to a detailed Risk Identification and Management System. This includes providing you with the necessary information, training and safety equipment to participate in our activities.You are personally responsible for listening to our directions, adhering to our advice, and making responsible decisions to keep yourself safe.
Additionally, we reserve the right to modify, alter, or cancel activities at any given time if we feel your safety or the safety of others may be compromised.
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