Whanganui River cultural discovery – Waka Tours
'E whai atu nei nga taonga ote me tea ao o Tane:
In search of the treasures of the Whanganui River and the world of Tane.'
The Whanganui River, the longest navigable river in New Zealand, begins at one of New Zealand's highest volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, carves its way through a gorge deep within the Whanganui National Park to the Tasman Sea.
Visitors enjoy wilderness adventures through the middle reaches, witnessing the beauty of the ngahere (bush) - a spectacular display of fauna, flora and other endangered, rare native plant species.
Waka Tours run guided tours down the Whanganui River in Canadian style canoes, providing visitors with a Maori cultural and environmental experience.
Along the way there are scheduled stops to embark on bush trail walks to see historic sites and natural landscapes.
At the end of a day's paddling, participants arrive at a kainga (cultural village) and are traditionally welcomed before staying overnight on marae (Maori settlements) situated on the banks of the river.
The Maori hosts and guides are all descendants of the area. They retain the knowledge and history of the river and they share their stories, and their understanding, love and respect for the river and its surrounding environment.
Further information:
Waka Tours
Niko Tangaroa
Phone +64 6 385 4811
Email wakatours@ihug.co.nz
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