Fabulous tour where you learn to paddle and visit a beautiful waterfall Upstream. Very interesting tour guides who gave us a lot of history of their culture. Well worth it.

Best excursion so far! Active Māori immersion rather than being asked to stand and listen. Getting 30 people to paddle in synchrony is no easy feat! Waterfall at end is the prize photo of the cruise! Loved the display of tattoos, regalia, and beliefs. Marvelous escape from the typical walking or museum tour. Well done to entire team who safely wrangled 60 visitors on an adventure they’re unlikely to soon forget.

This is a unique opportunity to embrace the cultural and a historical experience of Waitangi and the Bay of Islands. Spend the day with the local Maori owned and operated local professional tour guides. Enjoy the hospitality and the hands on interaction experience with the local people of the land.

A last minute decision turned into such a life long memory! It was truly one of the best experiences on the trip and learned to much about their culture and could feel the love and passion that these men have for their ancestors and tribe! Tuly something everyone should experience

Wondrous and great experience! A Maori chief tells us about history while we paddle to waterfall. Honest and educational. Everyone should take this paddle.

This was the most enjoyable excursion from our cruise ship. From start to finish it was fascinating to learn of the Maori history, customs and way of life. We were greeted in the traditional way and taught about the paddles and their significance. Then we boarded the waka (canoe) in strict order for balance and used our newfound knowledge to paddle up the river. I am reasonably fit and in my seventies and nearly did not go on the trip because I wondered if it would be too arduous and I would let others down, but absolutely not - it was fine (and they do have an outboard motor for relief!). The scenery was stunning and we went as far as the waterfall, We were treated to more cultural info during the trip and there were plenty of photo opportunities. Altogether a memorable and wonderful outing.

We did this trip today 28 February 2026 from our cruise ship. It was a truly enjoyable and educational experience. The Chief and his people welcomed us with a Māori War Challenge (Hakka) which we as a group had to reply to before our on the water experience began. They were exceptionally friendly people who shared their stories with us. We have Ancestory.com but their knowledge and ability to trace and name their ancestors back 100’s of years was utterly amazing. We paddled down the river to a wonderful waterfall, learned Māori words and song. A family working hard to preserve their heritage to ensure their young people do not forget their history and roots. 100% recommended and as long as you are able to hold a paddle you will take so much from the experience. Canoes are catamaran style so very stable. Thank you again for welcoming us to your home Chief 😊.

Excellent tour. The staff was super helpful in getting us settled in the canoe and the guide was knowledgeable, inspirational and funny. We left with a whole new perspective about New Zealand and the Māori culture. highly recommended!!

This was an amazing cultural experience, so authentic and really moving to hear the spiritual connection the Maori have to earth, land, sky and sea. They spoke about their Gods and their beliefs, it was completely captivating and I have so much respect for their culture. The Haruru Waterfalls were spectacular and the guides so helpful in capturing photos for the group. There was humour, laughter but also deeply moving cultural traditions and customs that the Maori embodied during our time with them. I would recommend this experience to anyone visiting the Bay of Islands.