There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise – but have you tried it from a double-hulled canoe in the middle of a stunning bay? 

Husband and wife duo Lee-Anne and Todd Jago founded Waka Abel Tasman as a way to share their Māori culture and values with visitors, as well as their love of the ocean. Whether it’s a sunrise journey or at a more polite hour, the experience they offer is so much more than just paddling out onto the water. 

A cultural experience like no other

Along with their guides, Lee-Anne and Todd share karakia (incantations) and other rituals of engagement that demonstrate the close bonds between Māori and the natural world. After you leave, you’ll even be able to introduce yourself in the Māori language. 

Leanne and Todd are not descendents from the local tribal groups, Ngāti Rarua(opens in new window) and Te Ātiawa, but they have been given permission to share the stories of this remarkable area’s history, as you paddle together around the unique coastline. 

On your way to Ngaio Island, your guide will teach you a haka – a simple call and response chant to announce your approach to Toka Ngāwhā. This huge, impossibly round boulder emerges from a small island of rocks, and has been split straight down the middle (hence it’s less lovely English name, Split Apple Rock). Although it’s easy to imagine one of the ancient gods blasting it asunder, in fact, a weakend seam that has eroded over many centuries is the cause.  

At many points on your journey, your guide will blow the pūmoana – a great conch shell. It’s a moving sound that carries along the wind and speaks to a beautiful, primal part of your spirit. 

You’ll alight at a nearby beach for a snack and to stretch the legs. Typical of the area (such as neighbouring Golden Bay), the gleaming, golden-yellow sand will put you in mind of idyllic tropical beaches more commonly seen in the Pacific Islands.