Mountain to the Sea - Waka Ama and Cultural Walk Experience

Whenua - Moana - Tangata

Land - Ocean - People

Allow us to facilitate your connection to our land, our ocean and our people. 

Our way of life. 

A unique opportunity to experience Waka Ama (outrigger canoe) and a cultural walk of our mountain, Mauao, guided by tangata whenua (people of the land) who share stories handed down through the generations.

Mountain to the Sea - Waka and Walk Experience - 4 hours

 FEE:   $255.00 adult - $195 child

INCLUDES:   Waka ama experience, guided walk of Mauao, all equipment needed and catered lunch pack.

  • Unique waka ama canoe experience in the stunning Pilot Bay. 
  • Cultural walk of Mauao guided by local Māori visiting ancestral sites. 
  • "Taste of Tauranga" sampler and lunch pack from a prominent seafood provider. 
  • All equipment and instruction provided. 

  

Cultural Walk of Mauao - 2 hours

FEE:    $75.00 adult - $35 child

INCLUDES:  Guided cultural walk of Mauao.

  • Hear the history and stories of Tauranga Moana by a local Māori guide. 
  • Breathe in the scenery that gives Mauao its reputation of being the most walked track in New Zealand. 
  • Meet significant cultural sights and witness the work local tribes have achieved to rehabilitate the mountain. 
  • Optional "Taste of Tauranga" sampler and lunch pack - $25pp

 

Catered Packed Lunch - Taste of Tauranga

Seasonal lunch pack, samples of seafood and native plant-based recipes, selection of beverages.  Dietary options available.

Added information

  • Meet at the Port of Tauranga Cruise Ship Gates, or at the base of Mauao, Pilot Bay.
  • Child rates apply to age 8yrs to 15yrs.
  • Moderate level of fitness required. 
  • Bring walking shoes, a towel, hat, jacket, sun protection, water bottle. 
  • Undulating gravel walking track. 
  • Groups of 12 or more may be split into two groups. A group activity is either Waka Ama or Mauao Walk. When we have two groups, one will start with waka ama and the other with the walk, then swap activities after one hour. 
  • Optional to bring swimwear. 

 

TIMING:

WAKA/WALK

Collected from Port of Tauranga gates, approx. 5 minute walk to start point. 

0:00 hrs Welcome, prepare, karakia (prayer)

0:30 hrs First group activity

1:30 hrs Transition

1:45 hrs Second group activity

2:45 hrs Reset

3:00 hrs Kai (food), waiata (songs), poroporoaki (farewell)

3:30 hrs Return to base, closing karakia (prayer) 

4:00 hrs Finish

 

WALK

Collected from Port of Tauranga gates, approx. 10 minute walk to start point. 

0:00 hrs Welcome, karakia (prayer) 

0:15 hrs Mauao walk

1:45 hrs Closing karakia (prayer) 

2:00 hrs Finish

INTRO to sup (stand up paddle-board)

MAX OF $50PP FOR 1 HOUR. MAX OF 20 PARTICIPANTS AT ONCE.

Our introduction to paddling lesson is an immersive experience where we explore the shores of Pilot Bay. It includes an on-shore lesson and the remaining time is spent on the open water, building confidence and skill development as we go. Participants get to be apart of unique on-water challenge to earn points and win! Participants are at high risk of falling in and having a great time.

INTRO to waka ama (outrigger canoe)

MAX OF $50PP FOR 1 HOUR. MAX OF 20 PARTICIPANTS AT ONCE.

Our introduction to paddling lesson is a great experience for tamariki to comfortably explore the shores of Pilot Bay. It includes an on-shore lesson and the remaining time is spent on the open water, learning to paddle as a team, before putting skills to action on the water. We can stop to share some kōrero of Mauao, before we prepare to do some competitive racing! Participants will get wet up to their knees, and may experience splash back from the person paddling in front.

cultural walk of mount maunganui

MAX OF $20PP FOR 1.5 HOUR. MAX OF 20 PARTICIPANTS AT ONCE.

Our cultural walk of Mount Maunganui will take you on a short adventure throughout the local community and near the coastline. We'll show you culturally significant landmarks that hold stories of our ancestors and also learn how it’s utilised by our wider community.

We'll be sure to share our knowledge on the different species of plants/wildlife that flourish in our area and teach others about what we can do to protect it. 

DISCOVER OUR PACKAGED DEALS BELOW

WAKA AMA + STAND UP PADDLE BOARD

MAX OF $70PP

WAKA OR SUP + HĪKOI (GUIDED WALK)

MAX OF $70PP

WAKA + SUP + HĪKO (GUIDED WALK)

MAX OF $80PP

booking with ease

When you book in with us, you will receive a booking confirmation and gain access to our RAMS procedures. With no deposit required, we make it simple to plan ahead!

Our activities are weather dependent and we may have to cancel. We’ll monitor the weather leading up to the session and communicate any concerns. We encourage you to create a back up plan, which we can do together during our session planning!