Te Hoenga Waka - Haruru Falls
The Bay of Islands is home to the Ngapuhi tribe and Taiamai Tours heritage journeys. Our interactive Waka experience provides a rare and unique insight into our ancient customs, rituals and traditions. Join us on our Waka voyage and we promise you will leave us with everlasting memories which will remain with you forever. Meet with local Ngapuhi whose traditional knowledge and storytelling skills are legendary in the Bay of Islands. Our ancient histories and stories are shared with you as we paddle together aboard our 50 ft Waka Taua (Maori War Canoe) on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River. Departing from the Waitangi Bridge, our Qualmark endorsed Waka voyages are a perfect combination of eco and interactive cultural experiences. We confidently stand by our claim that Taiamai Tours are: The best Maori cultural experience in Northland!!!
This tour activity is an interactive and educational Waka (Traditional Maori war canoe) experience with customers learning traditional paddle techniques, Waka manoeuvres, chants and Haka whilst absorbing the breath taking natural beauty of the Waitangi river eco systems, native flora and fauna, our living landscapes.
The first leg of our voyage has our ornate waka gliding up the beautiful tidal estuaries of the Waitangi. In no time you will come to realize this activity is more than just a product, it is indeed an experience unlike any other in New Zealand. Engage in conversation with your Maori host who will share with you, personal tribal and family histories from an ancient past. With the splendour of panoramic views, vibrant and stunning colours from the native forest stretching the length of the river banks and beyond, the first leg of our voyage culminates with our arrival in the pool of the sacred and spiritual Haruru waterfalls. The magic of this place is brought to life by the skilful oratory of our story tellers who accompany you. Although it may seem like 5 minutes you have actually been on voyage for over an hour.
Again we take up the paddle and the voyage continues passing by our family Marae and sacred shrine of worship, nestled on the riverbank of the Waitangi. If fortune is with us we will meet with local tribal members at the Marae. We may even have time for a quick hello and some photo opportunities then we must continue our voyage. See the native bird and fish wildlife, or maybe stop by our fishing net and check to see if we have caught a fish? Practice you’re new found traditional Maori paddling skills, learn a haka all while engaging in meaningful unscripted discussion with your Warrior host’s. How quickly time flies and it has been 2 ½ -3 hours. Where did the time go you may ask? You will depart from us with indeed a deeper understanding of our culture and knowing that your journey with us has indeed been a Journey of Discovery, a Journey of Distinction.
Nau mai, haere mai, We welcome you!......
- Experience the power and spirituality of our Culture
- Exclusive participation in Ngapuhi tribal customs and traditions
- Exclusive photo opportunities throughout your voyage
- Avoid the hustle and bustle of 100s of other tourist
- View native bird and fish wild life
- Only 16 people maximum per Waka guarantees exclusivity
Departs
Twice daily from Waitangi / Paihia ( October – April ) Rally times are 9.45am and 12.45pm respectively.
- 10.00am departure
- 1.00pm departure
Other times by arrangement only
COST
$135.00nz Per person
Forward Bookings are preferred
BRING: Appropriate clothing as per weather conditions – Water bottle (optional) –Insect repellant – Sun block – Sunhat – sunglasses-Camera – soft sole footwear - reef shoes and a smile.
BLOCK OUT DATES
- December: 24th 25th 26th 31st
- January: 1st 2nd
- February: 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
