Traveler Reviews

• W3670bmmonicam 15-Jul-2023

  We were so blessed to have Leanne as our guide on this phenomenal tour to Split Rock. Her passion for and knowledge of the area was not only impressive but she instilled in us a profound appreciation of the Maori culture and people. This was truly the highlight of our 3-week trip to New Zealand.

• Connector363671 01-Jul-2023

  It was a fantastic trip for the whole family. Kids and adults alike! Thomas, our guide was amazing…we all loved him. He really brought the Maori-Kiwi culture to life! 🥰 aswell as really encouraging all of those new to paddling. Such a great day!!!!

• Stacie30 22-May-2023

  Highly recommended! Our tour guide JJ was amazing and Todd was great too. We loved the Maori authenticity and how tikanga was respected.

• 2annalouiseli 16-May-2023

  We went with a group of 14yr old girls who were not particularly excited initially. By the end of our trip all of our girls were laughing, paddling hard and said it was one of their favourite activities on our adventure program. Our guide was exceptional in her experience and ability to put everyone in a relaxed and safe space. Rawe!

• Lynniecust 03-Apr-2023

  So glad I got to reschedule my trip! would recommend this for anyone. Good to hear some history on route too and learn some Huka

• Mhhrocourt 25-Mar-2023

  We went on the early morning waka trip with a group of older aged women. The 2 organisers were women as well which made the whole experience really special. The whole experience was well adapted to our group and they gave us a gentle & genuine feeling of being welcomed and appreciated in their circle . This experience was more than paddling in a waka….you have to find out yourself by doing it. It’s a must do for everyone who’s open for a cultural, spiritual and a wonderful experience. Nga mihi

• Corneliab972 06-Mar-2023

  Highly recommend this to EVERYONE. Everything was really well organised, safe and positive. We were gently, generously and kindly enveloped in Māori kaupapa and tikanga.

• Safari60677067737 05-Mar-2023

  We were part of a group of friends celebrating a very special birthday by having Waka Abel Tasman take us out in their wakas. Our taikiati Lee-Anne and Thomas were absolutely fabulous. They made us all fee very welcome , in a way only tangata whenua can. We've been living in the area for a number of years and we have paddled here many time with our sea kayaks, but the experience in the waka was different. Our taikiaki shared their local knowledge and gave us a cultural insight we thoroughly enjoyed listening to, and it did not matter that it was raining almost all the way. At the end of the trip we almost felt we had become part of their whanau. Thank you team for a wonderful experience. Ngā mihi nui!

• Maureenj353 12-Jan-2023

  This was such an awesome unique experience right from the moment we arrived with a great greeting from Todd & Miriama to the last circle together held at the end. Miriama was the best guide ever, very informative, interesting & funny & the paddling was fun. We learnt so much & loved the whole experience. This is a must do trip everyone should do

• T9755 08-Jan-2023

  This is a must do activity.....very unique and authentic. Todd, Callum and Thomas were fantastic guides and wonderful people. This was much more than just a paddling experience. You learn about the cultural significance of the waka, the blessings and etiquette, and some Māori language. They are so passionate about their country and what they do. There's often not enough authenticity in tourist experiences. These guys show you how it should be done. Cannot recommend highly enough.