Ko Tāne – Waka on Avon — Attraction in Christchurch

There were just the two of us which resulted in a very personalized experience. Huni led us thru a pre-trip game to learn some Maori directions. Tama, the captain, led the experience with Maori chants and instructions. They explained the purpose/importance of the chants. Gerry was the guide and did a fine job of explaining the history of the marshes and food gathering prior to arrival of European people and how the Europeans drained marshes and built up banks to create the Avon River. Gerry pointed explained how wakas are made, and pointed out pou (poles like totem poles) and explained the importance of these markers. They patiently answered our questions about the ducks, geese, trees, and buildings around the area. Gerry explained how the earthquakes damaged the area. We greatly enjoyed...

A fabulous journey up the Avon on the Waka for our awesome group of AirBnB hosts. The singing in Maori from our young guide was fabulous, personally I could take more of that for sure, a beautiful day, great people, loved the game to warm us all up, a must do in Canterbury for our guests...

Our guides were awesome and provided extra time, information (including our local city Seattle’s role with Ōtautahi) and even helped us capture the day in photos! They were also incredibly knowledgable, friendly and organized to keep us on time for an great experience. Would...