Waka Hourua

As apart of the Hinemoana Halo project, Hinemoana II has hit the seas with the protection of the whale population in mind as well as following in their footsteps.

Children as young as 13 sailed the weeks-long trip, which featured everything from bioluminescent dolphins to nearly missing the start of the festival.

Hundreds of tamariki are flocking to learn about waka hourua at the Te Hau Kōmaru National Waka Hourua Festival in Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Māui, the top of the South Island.

The double-hull waka, replicas of the craft used for long-distance voyaging, will travel from Te Ika-a-Māui to Kaiteretere for Te Hau Kōmaru, a week-long festival.

Festival encourages rangatahi to take up traditional sailing.