The South Island, also known as Te Waipounamu or Te Waka a Māui, offers fascinating Māori cultural experiences. Hear the story of Paikea and learn about local tribes and protocols.
Hear the story of Paikea and feel the connection between Māori and the sea.
Book an experienceAt Whale Watch Kaikōura, glide across the southern waters and, if you're lucky, come up close with giant Sperm whales. Hear the stories of how the local Māori people live with the land and sea together as one. Learn about the great ancestor, Paikea, who came to Aotearoa from the Pacific Islands on the back of a whale many centuries ago.
Paddle a waka (Māori canoe) along the Abel Tasman coast with Waka Tours Abel Tasman. As you glide across the water, hear the stories of Māori ancestors who sailed waka across the Pacific Ocean to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Learn the protocols associated with paddling a waka before embarking on our journey to Toka Ngawhā, Split Apple Rock.
Explore some of the original art galleries of Aotearoa and the rock sites of the Aoraki region.
Visit Te AnaJourney through the history and culture of Ngāi Tahu (the local Māori tribe) with Te Ana Māori Rock Art(opens in new window). Explore the practice of rock drawing, make your own rock art and visit some of the ancient sites – where haunting images were painted on the walls and ceilings of limestone caves by Māori ancestors' many hundreds of years ago.
Join experienced sailors and guides in navigating the Ōtākaro Avon river through Christchurch's city centre.
Book a tourSee the stunning city of Christchurch from the water. Paddle the Māori way under the guidance of Waka on Avon(opens in new window) expert sailors. Get up close to historical sites and learn about the history of Māori and European settlers in the construction of Christchurch, and who knows, if you're lucky you might just see some eels.
Elevate yourself to 1,029m and experience the stars like never before.
Book a tourConnect with Aotearoa's night sky through Dark Sky Project. Experience 360-degree night sky views from the summit of Mount John in Canterbury. Or you can get up close with the project's multi-media displays to learn about Māori creation stories and how early Māori navigators used stars to guide them. Finish your night lakeside, and tantalise your taste buds with the Dark Sky Diner.
Let Āmiki Tours(opens in new window) guide you through the laneways of Ōtautahi Christchurch as you discover unique foods, local stories and historical sites. Learn some te reo Māori (the Māori language) and link up with locals to get the inside scoop. If you'd like more, Āmiki Tours can work with you to curate an experience bespoke to your desires.
