11/02/12, 00:38:15 EST

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Maori waka tourist attraction opens in Christchurch

tv3.co.nz

In Christchurch tourists often experience the joys of the Garden City by punting or canoeing down the Avon river.

But from today, visitors will be able to experience another sort of water journey, as they learn about Maori culture.

The waka carries a family's history, traditions and culture. And now, tourists will have the opportunity to learn all of that as they paddle a waka along Christchurch's Styx River.

Last year 20 percent of tourists visited a Maori cultural experience, proving existing demand and the room to grow.

Tourism bosses say the key to success is to celebrate indigenous culture rather than exploiting it.

The venture's founders are prediciting such success they are about to start work on a second waka.

 Printable Version  | published Nov 04, 2007