Waka Abel Tasman offers schools an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the sea, the land, and Te Ao Māori through guided waka (double-hulled canoe) experiences. Based in Kaiteritēre, this whānau-operated Māori enterprise combines adventure on the water with cultural learning, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Programmes are carefully designed to suit different year levels and align with curriculum outcomes. Younger students in Years 1–4 and 5–8 can enjoy a 1–2 hour introductory waka session in the safety of Kaiteritēre Bay. These short experiences focus on teamwork, connection, and fun, with clear adult-to-student ratios to support safety and learning.
For secondary students, Waka Abel Tasman offers a variety of options—from half-day paddles to multi-day journeys in partnership with Whenua Iti Outdoors. These trips explore the Abel Tasman coastline and nearby marine reserves, combining physical challenge with rich cultural context and environmental education. Activities include learning Te Reo Māori, participating in haka on board, and exploring local history, geology, music, and biology through the waka journey.
The kaupapa Māori approach ensures students not only learn outdoor skills but also experience values such as kōtahitanga (unity) and aroha (compassion). Programmes are flexible and can be tailored to the learning goals of each school, whether the focus is cultural engagement, environmental science, or team building.
Feedback from teachers highlights the depth of the experience, with one principal noting how students came away enriched, refreshed, and connected—not just through physical activity but through exposure to culture, teamwork, and nature.
Waka Abel Tasman provides schools with more than an outdoor activity—it is an authentic journey of cultural learning and discovery, set in one of New Zealand’s most stunning coastal environments.
