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Our Waka Heritage ToursWaka Paddling, Kiwi Wildlife Tour and Christchurch Early Settlers, and evening Ko Tane Experience wildlife tour and dinning experience. (Capacity adults for this tour is 18 pax)
Please Note; the complete waka heritage package, (waka, kiwi tours and Ko Tane Maori Experience) are discounted with a savings of $15 per adult. Also note that these are optional with your Waka experience which must be requested when booking online.
Katoro Waka Heritage JourneysYour Transport Our story tellers will meet you once a pick up location and time have been confirmed. Please be punctual and prepared, our vehicles are well sign written. Historical Settler Sites Stretching from the banks of Otakaro (Avon River) at Victory Square out to Bealey Avenue in the years between 1000 and 1500 the loop in the river that encompassed this site was an important mahinga kai (food gathering site) for our people. At its’ height the pā would have been home to about 800 Maori. A large variety of food was gathered in the Puari pa area including tuna (eels), inaka (whitebait), kokopu (native trout), koukoupara (cockabullies), parera (grey ducks) and putakitaki (paradise shelducks). Directly opposite Puari Pa the first European settlers set up camp, it has been said that English ships were to large to sail past this point, so local Maori with waka helped move some of the settlers further up stream. It is at this site where your journey with us commences as we share our citys’ birth place and begin your historical waka journey with Katoro Maori Heritage Tours.
Purakautahi Paharakeke Paharakeke, (Styx River) is one of several springfed river systems that originate and flow through the district of Christchurch. This catchment located on the northern urban edge, is approximately 50 square kilometers. The river originates from a dry swale intermittently filled with storm water. Springs feed the river as it meanders north-eastwards through a variety of land use areas, associated with, horticultural, agricultural, and lifestyle developments as well as conservation reserves. The lakes at the eastern end of the purakautahi are where our waka experience is situated. Your Waka Experience Once boarding of the waka is complete the safety procedures will be explained. Our safety procedures are designed to reinforce personal and group commitment for a safe journey. After safety procedures are completed an ancient karakia (prayer) will begin the training of paddlers for the journey ahead, after a series of short excursions the team will be ready to continue down the river, throughout the journey your host will explain the significance and meaning and uses of the waka and carvings. The history and ecosystem, although highly modified, retains relatively high ecological values. Native plants are regenerating under the taller willow tree canopies that line many of the waterways. These waterways act as corridors for the upstream and downstream migration of birds, fish, invertebrates and plants. Our guides will share how important this system was to Ngai Tahu Maori. A light lunch and refreshments will follow at the completion of your waka journey before departing to the ultimate kiwi viewing experience at Willowbank.
Kiwi New Zealands Icon Willowbank Wildlife Reserve provides the most comprehensive kiwi viewing facility in New Zealand, kiwi can be viewed each day, all year round. Your journey now moves to a largest nocturnal house – where the emphasis is on viewing our national icon, the kiwi can be viewed in its most natural environment. This is a rear and superb opportunity to see our national icon up close and personal with the concrete and class just you and the kiwis this is a must do experience which is why we find it to hard to exclude from your journey.
The Ko Tâne Maori Experience Be welcomed onto our Pa (village) with a powerful challenge by our fearsome warrior. Enter onto the Pa site with a haka powhiri of welcome. Hear the Maori chief welcome you in our native language. Maori Village and Nature Tour Learn and see how the Maori People existed before the arrival of European technology. See and learn the ancient arts of the Maori Hunter and the importance the vegetation had on our ancient people. Cultural Performance and Entertainment Relax and enjoy an informative interactive and joy-filled evening as our Maori people entertain you with unforgettable traditional dancing. Learn the haka or poi dance. Feel the emotions of our Waiata Aroha (love songs). Following the concert your transport will return you to the city centre or your accommodation.
Please Follow This Link To View Our Menus and Meals. Meals Are Provided By Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Restaurant
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