Embargoed until 9am, Tuesday 19 May 2026. 

Set along the tranquil Ōtakaro Avon River in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Waka on Avon offers visitors a unique way to connect with the city's landscapes and stories. Blending cultural storytelling with a gentle river Waka & Kai-tasting journey, the experience invites manuhiri (visitors) to step aboard a waka and explore the significance of the awa (river) through a Māori lens. Rooted in a commitment to sharing authentic narratives and fostering a connection to place, Waka on Avon provides an enriching, guided experience and food tasting that brings the region's history and cultural heritage to life. 

Building on this foundation, Waka on Avon is set to unveil Mahika Kai, a new immersive 90-minute cultural and culinary journey along the Ōtakaro Avon River, at TRENZ 2026, with the product currently under embargo until its official launch. Mahika is designed to deepen the understanding of sustainability in relation to mana whenua, water management, mahinga kai protection, and the restoration of cultural landscapes. Connecting people, place and food, the experience begins with a mihi whakatau (official welcome) at the water's edge, before guests embark on a Māori waka, only minutes from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

As the waka glides along the Ōtakaro Avon River, storytellers bring to life the concept of mahinga kai, the traditional Māori practice of gathering food, trading, and its role in binding deep relationships within the community. Along the river's corridor, visitors encounter carefully curated re-enactments of customary practices such as traditional fishing and harvesting native resources, offering vivid and engaging insights into ancestral mātauranga.

The waka journey concludes at the Rotunda with a thoughtfully curated tasting experience of seasonal dishes, each inspired by the stories shared along the awa. The menu blends traditional and contemporary Māori cuisine, featuring kaimoana (seafood), huawhenua (root crops), and rēwena bread. Each tasting is introduced by a Kaituna kai (experienced food preparer) who shares the story behind each dish. In contrast, food is presented in natural vessels including harakeke baskets and pāua shells, creating a multi-sensory experience that connects culture, cuisine and environment.

Mahika Kai elevates the Waka on Avon experience into a rich cultural encounter, one that invites visitors not just to see Christchurch, but to truly feel, taste and understand it.

ENDS

For more information, please contact: media@christchurchnz.com

ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ | ChristchurchNZ is the city's sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Our purpose is to stimulate sustainable economic growth for a more prosperous Christchurch. Find out more at ChristchurchNZ.com.