Wharewaka o Pōneke walking tours

Te Wharewaka o Pōneke is owned and operated by local iwi , Te Ati Awa. It offers a series of tours that delve into Wellington’s early history and cultural background. The city’s stories come to life on land with guided walking, e-bike, and e-scooter tours. You can also try tours on water in a waka or on electric ferry, Ika Rere. You’ll learn of the city’s past, the harbour formation, and how the iwi connect to this landscape.

All tours leave from Te Wharewaka o Pōneke — a distinctive building located by Whairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront. It is the site where Te Aro Pā once stood, one of the largest Māori communities in Wellington up until the 1880s. Traditional customs and practices are woven into tours as well.

Three people wearing jackets stand beside one another looking at something out of frame. There are two other people and a large glass window in the background.

Inside an exhibition space in Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, a multipurpose function centre and waka house located on Taranaki Stree Wharf on Wellington's waterfront. The dark room has images and text on display with a glass floor in the middle of the space.

A staff member from Te Wharewaka ō Pōneke explains to a group the history of the building, land, and waka (canoe). In the background, is the Wharewaka building and The Rowing CLub.

Guided walking tours

There are four walking tours to choose from.

On the two-hour Hidden Māori Treasures tour, you’ll head to Te Aro Pā. You’ll find an archaeological site dating back to the 1820s. Hear the story of the people who first occupied the land and how Wellington developed to became the city it is today.

The one-hour City to Sea tour will have you seeing Wellington from an all-new perspective. You’ll hear about Polynesian explorer Kupe’s arrival in Aotearoa, the story of the taniwha that shaped the harbour, and find out how Māori culture influences modern-day life in Wellington.

On the Rerehiko tour, e-scooters and e-bikes are used to discover the waterfront. Learn about the streams that criss-cross Te Whanganui a Tara . This tour highlights the local iwi’s purpose and responsibility to the wai of the city.

The Harbour Tour will see you board East by West’s electric passenger ferry Ika Rere. This tour, with guided commentary, explores the inner harbour. Learn about the harbour’s formation and see sites significant to the iwi from the water.

Guided waka tour

Embark on a cultural and spiritual journey on one of Te Wharewaka’s four traditionally carved waka. Discover the Māori cultural art of navigation. You’ll be taught basic commands, chants, haka, and salutes. Paddling across the water in a waka is a unique and enchanting experience. The tour is perfect for groups, families, or work or sports teams.

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