Waka Puna - Paddle and Pedal
Waka Puna - Paddle and Pedal
Waka Puna - Paddle and Pedal
5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Punakaiki Canoes is now known as Waka Puna Paddle and Pedal Company and we have extended the adventures you can do. Now you can not only canoe up the amazing Pororari River into the Jurassic like jungle you can also hire a stand up paddle board to make the journey. And if you want the full experience of what Punakaiki has to offer, grab one of our cruiser e-bikes and explore the various tracks and trails or do both in a combo and explore this magical geographic wonderland.
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Waka Puna - Paddle and Pedal
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5.0
65 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Ed C
Auckland Central, New Zealand41 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
I would strongly recommend this trip to all vistors, especialy in sunny weather. The excursion is very good value and boats are generally available for 'walk ups'.
The plastic kayaks and gear supplied is great.... booties, waterproof pails and sunglassses ties all came in very handy.
The scenery is gorgeous and sime great picnicing spots so recommend taking lunch or a snack if wearher is nice and your time permits.
you can travel as far upstream as you wish... for the nore adventurous as the crystal clear river gets shallow just drag lightweight kayak fof short periods (inclyding some over gentle rapids) smd enjoy the thrills on your return.
Highly recommended for all ages, populaf with kids and teenagers.
In cold weather walk the track parallel to river... it is worth seeing!
The plastic kayaks and gear supplied is great.... booties, waterproof pails and sunglassses ties all came in very handy.
The scenery is gorgeous and sime great picnicing spots so recommend taking lunch or a snack if wearher is nice and your time permits.
you can travel as far upstream as you wish... for the nore adventurous as the crystal clear river gets shallow just drag lightweight kayak fof short periods (inclyding some over gentle rapids) smd enjoy the thrills on your return.
Highly recommended for all ages, populaf with kids and teenagers.
In cold weather walk the track parallel to river... it is worth seeing!
Written 13 January 2021
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.
Alsy23
55 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
What a fun day. Kyaked up and down the river for a few hours. After all the hiking we have done in NZ it was great to see this beautiful scenery from a different perspective. We hired their E bikes for the afternoon part of a package they were offering Dion the new owner of the business gave us a good safety run down, suggested a few routes and we had a gorgeous afternoon on the E bikes. The whole thing was great value for money i would definately recommend both activities
Written 8 January 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.
Alison B
Auckland Central, New Zealand21 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
Beautiful 2hrs on the river. Peaceful and majestic in lush bush covered gorge.
A small amount of bird life. Would love to have heard more.
Gentle rapids were fun.
Owner Ken very friendly and interesting
People doing other tramping or cycling should add an extra half day or day to do this.
A small amount of bird life. Would love to have heard more.
Gentle rapids were fun.
Owner Ken very friendly and interesting
People doing other tramping or cycling should add an extra half day or day to do this.
Written 8 March 2021
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.
Conor Meredith
1 contribution
Jun 2021
Awesome experience, great way to see the national park from a different angle. Little bit of effort as you work your way upriver (nothing too extreme) and then really relaxing with stunning views as you drift downriver to the start point.
Excellent value and would recommend to anyone.
Excellent value and would recommend to anyone.
Written 20 June 2021
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.
Neil and Margre... S
21 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Well orgamised business. Kayaks in good condition and all safety gear supplied. Staff friendly and helpful. We are seniors but felt very safe paddling the first pafrt of the river. Beautiful scenery snd very peaceful. Definitely recommend this experience
Written 1 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.
debbz33
Christchurch, New Zealand121 contributions
Jan 2020
First time in a canoe for many years. So lucky to have such lovely scenery so close to home and a fantastic activity to take my teenage grandson on.
Ken, the owner was very helpful and gave great advise.
We were all provided with life vests.
More than happy to recommend to others, which I already have done and hope to go back and spend more time up river.
Ken, the owner was very helpful and gave great advise.
We were all provided with life vests.
More than happy to recommend to others, which I already have done and hope to go back and spend more time up river.
Written 18 January 2020
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.
mountainbiker
2 contributions
Nov 2022
Excellent few hours on the river. Time your trip with the incoming high tide to make it easier.
I paddled approx 2km upstream (had to walk a couple of places) then turned around and enjoyed the peace & quiet of the journey back down.
I paddled approx 2km upstream (had to walk a couple of places) then turned around and enjoyed the peace & quiet of the journey back down.
Written 12 November 2022
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.
John M
141 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
This is a totally laid back Kiwi operation. Wander in from the road a couple of kilometers north of Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks where the Pororari river crosses state highway 6 to find the two managers of Punakaiki Canoes waiting to get you geared up and on your way paddling up this fabulous river valley. The guys provide rubber booties, a watertight container for your valuables, a paddle and, of course, a canoe or kayak, which comes in a variety of forms to suit your needs (single, double, easy-going or racer). You are helped down to the river some 50 meters away, given some basic drill in canoeing, and sent on your way to get the hang of it. We went upstream first, crossing under the road bridge and moving on in slowly flowing, crystal clear water to wide deep pools, with forest and immense bluffs overhead. These are absolutely stunning, towering above you, in the afternoon light. Some parts were shallow and we hauled our canoes up the shingle banks from one long stretch of quiet water to another, nothing strenuous. Other stretches are deep and slow with large rocks to paddle around. Very easy going while we were there. After a couple of hours paddling upstream, a stop for a bite to eat on a log, and to take it all in. I even had time for a reflective nap. Then back down the river to the wide coastal lagoon which you can cruise around in, searching out the inflowing streams and gullies. Haul ashore, cross the sandbar on foot and check out where the now narrow river meets the Tasman sea. Gulls all around, waves crashing, a pretty little island poking up right at the river mouth. It doesn't get better than this if you're just looking to get away by yourself and feel the easy power of river, stone, forest and sea. Also, fairly cheap for this great experience, just NZD40 for the first two hours and 5 per hour after. We loved it.
Written 13 December 2013
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.
LilyRose96
22 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Owner definitely not quite there as he gave us no instructions and irresponsibly assumed that since we are Australian we know how to paddle and wouldn't need life jackets. Also complained that he hates it when it's busy and doesn't take bookings because it 'cooks his head'. Not a good way to make your customers feel valued. Wasn't the best day as we had to get out and walk the canoe around 10 times due to lack of water. Scenery is amazing but not worth the price when you can walk for free. Owner didn't recognise us on return even though we were one of 3 groups that morning.
Written 6 January 2018
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.
Steven M
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia40 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
The actual canoe trip is wonderful and a great experience. The scenery from the rivers is gorgeous and its actually quite and easy and relaxing paddle. However the owner is a very very grumpy and rude man. We asked very simple questions like how far up the river can we go and he answer to all our questions was " Too many questions" He charges $40 for an hour which is quite a bit and to be told "Too many questions" was just rude. He did try and be polite a a few minutes later but the damage was done
Written 24 January 2015
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.
Is it safe for kids as young as 8 years old to canoe/kayak? All of us (2 adults & 4 kids) have no experience at all.
Written 9 November 2018
Hi! Are you open in September?
Written 24 August 2016
The business owner lives on the property- you just press the intercom button and he walks over. When we were there it was cold and rainy, we were the only ones but it was well worth it, beautiful scenery and not very taxing to paddle up stream. The owner is a pretty easy going guy and very funny too, if you show up with $$ I don't think he will turn you down. He watches tripadvisor though, I'm sure he will tell you if I'm mistaken. Have a blast!
Written 25 August 2016
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