Waka Tours Abel Tasman Kaiteriteri
Updated 29 th September 2026
Māori Waka Tours from Kaiteriteri to Split Apple Rock
Experience the Abel Tasman coastline from a unique Māori perspective on a traditional waka tour departing from Kaiteriteri. Paddle together as a crew along the golden coastline towards iconic Split Apple Rock – Toka Ngawhā, while discovering the stories, traditions and maritime heritage that connect Māori with the moana.
Waka Abel Tasman offers cultural paddling experiences for individuals, families and groups, combining spectacular coastal scenery with teamwork, manaakitanga and an authentic introduction to waka traditions.
Split Apple Rock Paddle Toka Ngawhā
Price: Adult $120 per person – Child $75 pp (Families 2A+2C $340)
Duration: Three Hours approx paddling time 2 Hours
Departs: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Paddle from Kaiteriteri along the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Split Apple Rock – Toka Ngawhā, one of the region’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Travelling aboard a traditional double-hulled waka, you’ll experience the coastline from the water while learning about Māori culture, local stories and the traditions of waka paddling.
Working together as a waka crew is an important part of the experience. Your guides will introduce you to basic paddling techniques and water safety before departure, then lead the crew along the coast towards Toka Ngawhā.
This approximately three-hour experience includes around two hours on the water and is suitable for visitors looking for much more than a sightseeing trip – it combines Abel Tasman scenery, Māori culture and the shared experience of paddling a waka together.
Reservations are required, with group bookings also available.
Group Waka Journey – Haerenga ā-rōpū
Price: $950 per group (up to 11 passengers)
Duration: Three Hours approx paddling time 2 Hours
Departs: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Bring your group together for a shared waka experience along the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline. Designed for schools, businesses, iwi, tour groups and team-building events, the journey combines paddling, Māori culture, teamwork and time together on the moana.
Each double-hulled waka carries up to 11 passengers. Your group can paddle together along the coast, experience the teamwork involved in moving a waka through the water and learn about the Māori maritime traditions that are an important part of the experience.
Waka Abel Tasman is a local whānau-operated Māori business with a strong connection to kaupapa Māori and the maritime heritage of the area. School and educational groups are welcomed as manuhiri (guests), with experiences designed to help ākonga (students) feel involved, connected and inspired while learning in the takutai moana (marine environment).
Customised group experiences can also be arranged to suit your school, organisation or team.
Sunrise Waka Journey – Kō Awatea
Price: $750 per group (up to 11 passengers)
Duration: Two Hours approx paddling time
Departs: 6:00 am to 8:00 am
Experience the Abel Tasman coastline at dawn on a special group waka journey from Kaiteriteri. Kō Awatea begins as the new day arrives, giving your group the opportunity to paddle together on the moana and experience the coastline during one of its most peaceful times of day.
From the water, acknowledge Te Rā (the sun) and the beginning of a new day while sharing the experience as a waka crew. With few other people around at this early hour, the sunrise journey offers a memorable combination of Māori culture, teamwork and the natural beauty of Abel Tasman.
The experience runs for approximately two hours, with departure normally around 6:00 am. Exact times may vary throughout the year to coincide with sunrise.
Each waka accommodates up to 11 passengers, making Kō Awatea particularly suited to families, friends, corporate groups and teams looking for a private shared experience. No previous waka paddling experience is necessary.
What to bring for your waka experience
Before heading onto the water, your guides will provide a safety briefing and basic waka paddling instruction. No previous paddling experience is necessary.
For a comfortable day on the water, we recommend bringing:
- Shorts or comfortable quick-drying clothing
- Quick-dry or thermal top
- Warm fleece or extra layer
- Rain jacket
- Water shoes – or you can paddle barefoot
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
Weather conditions can change quickly around the Abel Tasman coastline, so bringing an extra warm layer is always a good idea.
Manaaki moana, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua
Care for the sea, care for the people, move forward as one.
Phone: 027527 8160 Email: [email protected]
Visit our Website: wakaabeltasman.nz
Frequently Asked Questions About Waka Abel Tasman Tours
Do I need previous waka paddling experience?
No. Previous waka paddling experience is not necessary. Before departure, your guides provide a water safety briefing and basic paddling instruction so everyone is comfortable before heading onto the water.
Where do the Waka Abel Tasman tours depart from?
Waka Abel Tasman experiences depart from Kaiteriteri, at the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. From here, you paddle along the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline aboard a traditional double-hulled waka.
How long is the Split Apple Rock waka tour?
The Split Apple Rock Paddle – Toka Ngawhā takes approximately three hours, including around two hours paddling on the water. The tour travels from Kaiteriteri along the coastline towards iconic Split Apple Rock – Toka Ngawhā.
Are waka tours suitable for families, schools and groups?
Yes. Waka experiences are available for individuals, families, schools, businesses, iwi, tour groups and corporate or team-building groups. Dedicated group journeys can accommodate up to 11 passengers aboard each double-hulled waka.
What should I wear and bring for a waka tour?
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and bring a warm layer, rain jacket, drinking water, sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses. Water shoes can be worn, or you can paddle barefoot. An additional warm layer is recommended as coastal weather can change.
What group waka experiences are available?
Groups can choose the three-hour Group Waka Journey – Haerenga ā-rōpū or the approximately two-hour Sunrise Waka Journey – Kō Awatea. Group journeys accommodate up to 11 passengers and are suitable for families, friends, schools, businesses, iwi and team-building groups. Customised group experiences can also be arranged.