New Waka Launch 24-10-2009
Its labour weekend 2009 and we have just launched a new addition to what will eventually become a fleet of Maori canoes providing many visitors and holiday makers to the Bay of Islands with the opportunity to experience something truly magnificent and spiritual to all Maori including the Ngapuhi of Northland who are New Zealands largest Maori tribal group.
With a length of 12 meters and capable of carrying up to 40 paddlers "WAKA TAIAMAI" is based on the traditional twin hull Waka which was commonly used by Maori especially when traveling up and down New Zealands beautiful and sometimes rugged coastlines.
By taking 2 Waka (canoes) of similar length and dimensions then lashing them together, Maori were able to use these vessels to travel vast distances along New Zealands coastlines and all in relative safety. With extremely good open water capabilities Ngapuhi were able to launch many raiding campaigns along the eastern coast of the North Island during the inter tribal musket wars of the early 1800s.
Taiamai Tours Heritage Journeys is looking forward to having many happy visitors to the Bay of Islands come aboard our Waka and will guarrantee that you will leave the Bay of Islands not only with a knowledge of Maori but also having experienced what even today is considered as a sacred honour and privilege, to Hoe a Waka, to feel the paddle pierce the waves of Hine Moana and Tangaroa, to experience the spirituality and sacredness of the Waka.
With forward bookings starting in October of 2010 we are very happy to have secured this Waka and have it ready to service a whole host of diverse clientele including small to large tour groups, student or corporate groups, including the cruise ship market which will see up to 150 people from the Queen Mary enjoy paddling this Waka up the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls during its one day stop over in the Bay of Islands during March 2010.
Be sure to check this beautiful vessel out as you drive along the Paihia beach front. It will be quite obvious to the untrained eye as it is the only vessel which looks like this, moored off the beach front of Paihia, Northlands iconic Tourist attraction and holiday destination.
For anyone wanting to join us and participate in what we promise will be a true once in a lifetime experience during a once in a lifetime New Zealand holiday, then please feel free to either book online in our website or contact us via email.
Bye for now
