Manukura — Seaplane and Jet Boat Journey to Orakei Korako
He wai ka rongo
Immersed in living history
Coming soon, Manukura invites visitors to journey alongside our people's deep connection to the awa. This three-hour adventure takes you on an exhilarating jet boat experience along the Waikato River, before discovering the geysers and steam of Orakei Korako, the birthplace of our iwi.
Inclusions
Visit the birthplace of our iwi
Orakei Korako means 'place of adorning' – this is the ūkaipō (birthplace) and principal papa kāinga (home) of our people, Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa. For generations, a fortified pā towered on the bank above the river, and people lived on the riverbanks amidst the geysers and hot pools.
Traverse the largest geyser field in Aotearoa
Orakei Korako is home to the more active geysers than any other geothermal area in Aotearoa. If the timing is right, you may also see some of the tallest geysers in the country erupt into the air.
Hear our stories of connection with the awa
In the quieter sections of our journey, we share stories of Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa. Our river is a life source of whakapapa (genealogy) and kai and has been an arterial route for trade and connection to whānau (family) for hundreds of years.
How to get here
AWA is located about 15 minutes' drive north from Taupō, and 50 minutes' drive south of Rotorua.
Safety information
Our highly skilled drivers' knowledge of this river is deep, and our boats are custom-built to navigate every twist and turn.
