Waka Paddling Tour Toka Ngawha from Kaiteriteri: Split Apple Rock

Paddle to Split Apple Rock, learn karakia, share the work of a team

A 3-hour waka paddling tour from Kaiteriteri to Toka Ngawha (Split Apple Rock) on the Nelson coast, led by a local guide who shares Māori culture and karakia blessings. You paddle together along golden sand beaches and native forest, stop for morning tea at a beach, and return by water to where you started.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waka paddling to Split Apple Rock

• Start waka experience
• Paddle to beach for morning tea

The experience

What does it feel like to paddle a traditional waka across calm water toward one of New Zealand's most recognizable landmarks? This tour answers that by putting you in the boat. You start and finish at Kaiteriteri, paddling a 2-hour return voyage along the coastline to Toka Ngawha: the split rock that rises from the sea. The water is sheltered and the pace is easy. The guide leads and the group paddles together, which is where the real work happens: you feel what a team can do.

Along the way, the guide shares knowledge of Māori culture and speaks karakia: spiritual blessings that protect the voyage. You'll stop at a beach for morning tea before turning back. The whole experience takes 3 hours from start to finish, and it works for families with children from age 2 onward (infants can ride in a pram or stroller). The route follows golden sand beaches backed by native forest, and because the water is calm and the paddling is steady rather than strenuous, it suits all fitness levels.

Kaiteriteri is the departure point, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the boat itself is set up to welcome people of different abilities. Bring a sense of curiosity about the place and the culture. The guide brings the rest.

What’s included

• Light refreshments and morning tea at the beach.
• a local guide who shares Māori culture and karakia.
• GST included in the price.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (2 to 14 years)

GroupUp to 11

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Waka Abel Tasman

Is this one for you?The paddling is easy and the pace is steady, so this works for families, older travelers and anyone new to being on the water. The 3-hour round trip means you're on the boat for the whole time, so choose this if you want to spend your morning actually paddling rather than watching a demonstration or listening from shore.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years).

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 is Toka Ngawha and why is it worth paddling out to see?

Toka Ngawha, also known as Split Apple Rock, is an iconic natural landmark rising from the sea off the Nelson coast. The tour paddles you out to it so you experience the rock from the water, the way it has been approached for generations, rather than viewing it from a distance on shore.

Do I need paddling experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is designed for all ages and all fitness levels, and the guide leads the paddling as a team. You'll work together with the group, which is part of what makes the experience meaningful.

What happens if the weather turns bad or the water gets rough?

The tour operates on a sheltered section of the Nelson coast where the water is typically calm. The operator will assess conditions on the day and make decisions based on safety. If conditions don't suit paddling, they'll let you know before you depart.

What does the guide teach about Māori culture during the paddle?

The guide shares knowledge of Māori culture and speaks karakia, spiritual blessings called haerenga (journey), that provide protection for your voyage. The teaching is woven into the paddle itself, not delivered as a separate lesson.