Join us on an indigenous coastal adventure.
Journey on the Waikouaiti river in our waka unua (double-hulled waka) to plant native trees on Ohinepouwera Spit or walk the Huriawa pā site while being immersed in our past customs, stories and traditions.
Deepen your connection to the natural environment as you voyage across the enchanting Waikouaiti River in a modern waka and immerse yourself in the natural environment and stories of the past.
Situated on the Waikouaiti River mouth, Karitāne is a picturesque seaside settlement on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, only a 30-minute drive from Otago's largest city, Dunedin.
Rich in Māori and European history, with beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife, Karitāne is an ideal setting for a coastal adventure.
Karitāne Māori Tours is certified by Qualmark, whose Sustainable Tourism Business (STB) Criteria are Recognised by the GSTC for being equivalent to the GSTC Industry Criteria
our experiences
Māori waka experience
Experience how our people traversed the oceans on waka to discover and call New Zealand home.
Māori pa experience
Be restored in body, mind, and spirit as you spend time with the whānau of Kāti Huirapa, sharing in their world, customs, and history on a journey to the edge of the sea.
Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei
For us and our children after us
— Māori whakatauki (proverb)
Trip advisor reviews
“I would highly recommend this for groups, or even just a few people. We had children and they loved it also, they were made to feel really welcome and engaged.”
BlueMoki8
“Fantastic experience with the Karitane Māori Tours team! It was lots of fun and I felt safe and well looked after! Definitely going to recommend to friends and family!”
Meander764514
“This waka tour with Brendon and Alex was amazing. They briefed us on safety, taught us how to use the oars and how to hoe (paddle) across the the Waikouaiti River in the Waka.”
Connector10243596465