Waka

The Bay of Islands is home to Taiamai Tours heritage journeys and the Ngapuhi nation is New Zealand’s largest tribal Māori group. Our interactive Waka (traditional Māori war canoe) experience provides a rare and unique insight into our ancient customs, rituals and traditions. We invite you to join us on a voyage into our world where you will gain an understanding of our culture. We share our histories and stories as we paddle our 50ft Waka Taua (War Canoe) together on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River.

Take the opportunity to experience and share in the rich culture and history of Wellington by taking a Waka (Māori Canoe) or Walking Tour. Hear stories that relate to Māori from a Te Atiawa/Taranaki Whanui (tribe) perspective on a Hidden Treasures Walking Tour. Visit the uncovered remains of two whare ponga (buildings) with exclusive access to an excavation site not open to the public. Take a Waka Tour in a working waka, on the water with our kaihoe (paddlers) and learn traditional paddling techniques, waka calls, haka and salutes.

The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an authentic indigenous cultural experience like no other. Enter the world of Mitai, be enthralled by the natural bush setting and learn our history. See warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the wai-o-whiro stream, and see glow worms in their natural habitat. Be captivated by songs, dance, and games in a rich and powerful entertaining cultural concert, complete with the spine tingling haka.

At last a tourism company that understands and represents the indigenous view of nature, culture, people and place in Aotearoa-New Zealand. The enjoyment of a visit is based on three key elements: Māori people, Māori places, and Māori hospitality. Together with our Māori Partners, we are proud to deliver on the promise of real people, real life, and a really good time. Creative planning and effective management are the hallmark services provided by Navigator Tours.