Haruru Falls and Waitangi River Tour on a Traditional Maori Waka with Guide
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Trip Type: Cultural Tours
Duration: 3 hours
Explore the calm waters of the Waitangi River estuary during a 3-hour voyage on a sturdy traditional canoe captained by an experienced local Maori guide. You'll learn native paddling techniques, visit Haruru Falls and look for wildlife, plus hear about Ngapuhi customs, legends and history. The guide teaches you a traditional war dance and takes you to see a Ngapuhi meeting house where you might get the chance to meet members of this Maori community.
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Explore the calm waters of the Waitangi River estuary during a 3-hour voyage on a sturdy traditional canoe captained by an experienced local Maori guide. You'll learn native paddling techniques, visit Haruru Falls and look for wildlife, plus hear about Ngapuhi customs, legends and history. The guide teaches you a traditional war dance and takes you to see a Ngapuhi meeting house where you might get the chance to meet members of this Maori community.Make your way to the Waitangi boat ramp where you meet your Ngapuhi guide. The Ngapuhi are the largest Maori tribe in New Zealand, and their ancestral home includes the Bay of Islands.
After a safety briefing, receive a life jacket and paddling lesson before stepping on board the 40-foot (12-meter) waka taua, a traditional-style canoe that is stable and sturdy. Set off on your tour through the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River, traveling through a scenic landscape as you learn paddle techniques and how to maneuver your vessel. Your guide teaches you some Ngapuhi chants and a haka — a war dance that incorporates rhythmic foot-stomping, body slapping and chanting.
In about one hour, you'll arrive at Haruru Falls. Pause in front of the large waterfall to hear about the site’s spiritual significance, and then continue along the river to a marae on the riverside. A marae is the central meeting place of a Maori community and generally encompasses a meeting house decorated with intricate carvings, an open outdoor space, and cooking and eating areas. If you’re lucky, you might meet some of the local people before continuing your canoe tour.
Throughout your experience, you’ll hear stories of the Ngapuhi people, learn about age-old customs and look for local wildlife. After a fascinating three hours, your tour ends back at the starting point.
After a safety briefing, receive a life jacket and paddling lesson before stepping on board the 40-foot (12-meter) waka taua, a traditional-style canoe that is stable and sturdy. Set off on your tour through the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River, traveling through a scenic landscape as you learn paddle techniques and how to maneuver your vessel. Your guide teaches you some Ngapuhi chants and a haka — a war dance that incorporates rhythmic foot-stomping, body slapping and chanting.
In about one hour, you'll arrive at Haruru Falls. Pause in front of the large waterfall to hear about the site’s spiritual significance, and then continue along the river to a marae on the riverside. A marae is the central meeting place of a Maori community and generally encompasses a meeting house decorated with intricate carvings, an open outdoor space, and cooking and eating areas. If you’re lucky, you might meet some of the local people before continuing your canoe tour.
Throughout your experience, you’ll hear stories of the Ngapuhi people, learn about age-old customs and look for local wildlife. After a fascinating three hours, your tour ends back at the starting point.
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