Waka Ama Lesson & Guided Walk at Mount Maunganui

Paddle in unison, then walk the mountain with a local Māori guide

Paddle a waka ama (outrigger canoe) in Pilot Bay near Tauranga, then take a 90-minute guided walk around Mount Maunganui's base with a Māori guide who shares ancestral stories, history and cultural insights. The activity combines water-based teamwork and land-based cultural exploration, lasting 3.5 hours total. Full instruction, life jackets, paddles and snacks are included. Children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waka paddling and guided walk

• Start at Pilot Bay boardwalk
• Paddle waka on Pilot Bay waters
• Explore base of Mount Maunganui
• Visit Mt Maunganui surf beach

The experience

You start at the curved boardwalk along Pilot Bay, lined with pine and palm trees. After a full instruction in paddling technique, you board the waka ama and paddle in unison with the group, feeling the canoe glide as the team moves together. From the water, Mount Maunganui rises in front of you: a perspective most visitors never get. The paddling covers the harbour's base, where each side of the mountain reveals different scenery and carries its own story.

After the water, you walk the mountain's perimeter with a local Māori guide who shares ancestral stories, history and insights about the environment and culture. The walk takes 90 minutes and moves from the bay toward the surf beach on the other side, rated New Zealand's number one beach. You finish near local cafes where the white sand meets good coffee. The full instruction means no paddling experience is needed. Life jackets and all equipment are provided, along with snacks and beverages during the activity.

What’s included

• Full paddling instruction and guidance from a live English-speaking Māori guide.
• outrigger canoe, paddle and life jacket.
• snacks and beverages throughout the 3.5 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Child (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mauao Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to experience Pilot Bay and Mount Maunganui from both water and land in a single outing, with cultural storytelling woven through. The paddling and walking together mean you need moderate fitness and comfort on the water, but no prior paddling experience.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 15 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the waka ama paddling like if I've never paddled before?

The waka ama lesson starts with full instruction on paddling technique, so no prior experience is required. You learn to paddle in unison with the group, which is what makes the outrigger canoe glide smoothly through Pilot Bay. Life jackets and paddles are provided.

How long is the guided walk around Mount Maunganui?

The guided walk lasts 90 minutes and covers the base of Mount Maunganui, moving from Pilot Bay toward the surf beach on the other side. Your Māori guide shares ancestral stories and cultural insights about the mountain and the local environment along the way.

What's included in the 3.5-hour activity?

The outrigger canoe, paddle, life jacket, full paddling instruction, snacks and beverages are all included. You do not need to bring your own equipment or arrange transport to Pilot Bay. Public transportation options are available nearby.

What should I know about fitness before booking?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the paddling and walking combined. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or for pregnant travelers.