Waka Abel Tasman
Waka Abel Tasman
5
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About
Ideal for everyone including families with young children, paddle along the coast to Split Apple Rock – Toka Ngawha. It's an easy, two-hour return trip, and by the end you'll understand how empowering membership of a waka crew can be. Bookings are required and we offer discounts for groups.
Kaiteriteri, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
240 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
2
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0
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0
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0
Krista R
5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This experience was so much more than we expected. Not only was it a beautiful Waka ride in a beautiful place, we learned so much about Maori culture and got to be part of it. Lee Ann (owner) has created a beautiful travel product, everything first class, and has such enthusiasm for sharing the culture and for engaging tourists. It is truly a "must do" when up in the Abel Tasman area! Thank you, LeeAnn!
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johhno H
Greymouth, New Zealand8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We did this trip with some family members and other tourists we met on the day.
We had an awesome experience. We are local but saw this area through different eyes. We learned so much of the history, te reo and traditions of the area.
We would recommend this 110%
We had an awesome experience. We are local but saw this area through different eyes. We learned so much of the history, te reo and traditions of the area.
We would recommend this 110%
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guennie3
Cambridge, UK245 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is an experience not to be missed. It is a team effort so not too strenuous and you get to make new friends along the way. JJ and Leah, our guides, were so friendly and supportive and taught us loads of Māori words, expressions and opened our eyes to Māori culture. We paddled our way to Split Apple Rock where we entertained other tourists with our attempt at a group haka. A brief picnic on a beautiful beach and then we returned to base. Expect to get wet. Wear shorts and no shoes. Make everlasting memories and, above all, have fun. Thank you JJ and Leah. You made this amazing.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline Wright
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Business
Amazing experience, we were a school group and we wouldn't miss it for the world. We intend to include this experience in every Marahau camp.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica M
Sola Municipality, Norway66 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We were so blessed to have Leanne as our guide on this phenomenal tour to Split Rock. Her passion for and knowledge of the area was not only impressive but she instilled in us a profound appreciation of the Maori culture and people. This was truly the highlight of our 3-week trip to New Zealand.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connector363671
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
It was a fantastic trip for the whole family. Kids and adults alike! Thomas, our guide was amazing…we all loved him. He really brought the Maori-Kiwi culture to life! 🥰 aswell as really encouraging all of those new to paddling. Such a great day!!!!
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stacie30
Auckland Central, New Zealand5 contributions
Apr 2023
Highly recommended!
Our tour guide JJ was amazing and Todd was great too.
We loved the Maori authenticity and how tikanga was respected.
Our tour guide JJ was amazing and Todd was great too.
We loved the Maori authenticity and how tikanga was respected.
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2annalouiseli
Motueka, New Zealand3 contributions
May 2023
We went with a group of 14yr old girls who were not particularly excited initially. By the end of our trip all of our girls were laughing, paddling hard and said it was one of their favourite activities on our adventure program.
Our guide was exceptional in her experience and ability to put everyone in a relaxed and safe space. Rawe!
Our guide was exceptional in her experience and ability to put everyone in a relaxed and safe space. Rawe!
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Friends
A fantastic experience from start to finish. Excellent pre trip service and our guides on the day were wonderful- so friendly, warm and knowledgeable and we loved learning about Māori culture. The canoeing itself was very pleasurable and a great way for our party of 16 to see some beautiful Abel Tasman coastline. Would definitely recommend!
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
Awesome experience, with great people. Would definitely recommend. Thank you for sharing your Maori knowledge in a great activity. So much better than just kayaking.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue G
Port Elizabeth, South Africa15 contributions
Hello we are in our sixties will we be able to do this? How strenuous is it on a scale of 1 - 10?
Jessica
Toronto, Canada17 contributions
You can definitely do this! It's not strenuous at all--it's more of a cultural experience on water than a paddling trip. I also have back/leg problems (sciatica) and found the waka much easier and more comfortable to paddle than a kayak.
Pauline W
1 contribution
Hi. I'm a teacher at St Paul's in Richmond and we have just successfully hosted a group of Chinese students for 12 days. As it is the middle of winter, it was too cold to venture into the park this time but the next group of 20 will be coming in November and the Waka experience sounds wonderful as they did enjoy interactive experiences. These students will be aged from 10-12 years and at this stage I wonder if you think this would be suitable for them with no previous experience. The proposed dates at this stage are from 11 - 22 November which will include China Week from 13-16th. I look forward to your thoughts.
Regards
Pauline Wallace
Lee-Anne J
Kaiteriteri, New Zealand
Kia ora Paula, thank you for the email. We look forward to hosting the group in November.
sarah g
4 contributions
Hi I am coming to Kaiteriteri on the 15th of August and staying for 3 days. I am travelling with my 18yr old daughter. What would you recommend for us to see and do? I liked the idea of the waka Abel Tasman, but is that leaving Nelson? Would like to fit in Kayaking, and seeing by what ever method Abel Tasman Nat Park. Much appreciated Sarah
Syrah & Charles
Sydney, Australia91 contributions
HI Sarah,
Can thoroughly recommended the Waka as it it is a unique way of seeing parts of and understanding the history of the Abel Tasman. You will have to leave Nelson as the AT and all its activities is about a one hour drive up the coast