In Partnership with International Paddling Coach – Empowering Local Talent, Sharing Our Waters
At Experience Gisborne, we’re proud to support and collaborate with passionate local operators. This tour is delivered in partnership with International Paddling Coach (IPC) and the Horouta Waka Ama Club, with our team providing marketing, bookings, and on-the-day logistics to help showcase their world-class expertise and unique cultural offerings.
Paddle the Ancestral Waters of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa
🌊 Glide through the stunning rivers of Tairawhiti Gisborne on an unforgettable waka ama journey with world-class paddlers from Horouta Waka Ama Club — the birthplace of waka ama in Aotearoa and home to many world champions.
🚣 Follow the path of the legendary Horouta waka and the great navigator Kiwa, who first arrived here, as you paddle the Taruheru, Waimata, and Tūranganui Rivers — the lifeblood of the region.
🌿 Immerse yourself in the rich stories and Māori traditions tied to these ancestral waterways, guided by local experts who live and breathe this legacy.
📜 Discover the cultural significance of Gisborne, not only as a treasured Māori homeland but also as the first landing place of European settlers led by Captain Cook in 1769.
✨ Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, this is your chance to connect with the heartbeat of the land, the water, and its people — from a truly unique perspective.
No paddling experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure and an open heart.
Note: Developed with Māori values at its core, this tour respects tikanga (customs) and remains flexible to adapt as needed.
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