The mighty waka Ngatokimatawhaorua, inside the waka shelter at Waitangi

Waka ~
Vessels

The word Waka literally means a vessel or container of some kind. This container could be almost anything from a small treasure box (waka huia) to a form of transportation such as an airplane (waka rererangi) or even an ocean going canoe.

Canoes and ocean voyages are synonymous with early Maori exploration and travel.

Over the past fifty years there has been a vigorous revival in traditional waka design, building and navigational techniques as Maori continue to rediscover and apply this ancient knowledge.

Fine examples of waka can be found in museums around the country and some tribal areas. At the Waitangi National Trust estate, members of the public are invited to participate in waka demonstrations. Seminars are also held regularly with the focus on astrology and traditional navigational techniques.

In the far north of New Zealand, visitors can view waka construction and traditional building techniques by internationally acclaimed experts. In the Waikato region, annual waka regattas attract thousands of visitors. Here, as in many other places around the country, visitors can purchase authentic Maori souvenirs that relate to waka.