The Maori Canoe Experience
Port
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Activity Level
high
Duration
3:00 Hours
The Bay of Islands is home to the Ngapuhi, New Zealand’s largest tribal Maori group. This eco and educational experience offerse a unique insight into the customs, rituals and traditions of this fascinating Polynesian culture.
Your Maori Warrior host will welcome you at Waitangi Wharf, where a safety briefing will be given before boarding your ornate 50 foot Waka Taua (Maori war canoe). The tribal members will show you traditional paddling techniques which you’ll then put into practice. Absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Waitangi River eco-systems and the passing flora and fauna as you paddle along. The Ngapuhi tribe have legendary storytelling skills and your Maori host will share personal tales with you. You’ll reach the spiritual waterfall of Haruru Falls, before you paddle back along the river.Look out for the family Marae, a sacred shrine of worship, where some of the local tribal members will greet you as you pass.
You’ll return to port with a deeper understanding of the Maori culture and an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
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