Kumutoto walking tour: Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua, part of Climate Festival Pōneke 2026

By understanding our past we can make better decisions for our future. As part of Climate Festival Pōneke, join us on a walking tour of Kumutoto Awa from the mouth to the small section of stream that remains above ground. 

Te Whanganui-a-Tara was first settled in the 13th century and for 500 years tangata whenua have held a deep spiritual relationship with their awa. Kumutoto was once home to a Ngāti Mutunga and then Te Ātiawa papakāinga and the name references its use as a birthing awa.

Today, our urban awa are hidden from view, channelled into pipes, renamed as “stormwater,” and stripped of legal protection. What impact will our changing climate have on our freshwater? What can we learn from the past to prepare for the changing climate? How might we bring about a better future for our awa and for ourselves?

This walking tour will take approximately 2 hours. The route taken involves walking uphill and up steps. Please wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather and bring a drink bottle.

The hīkoi starts at the mouth of Kumutoto Awa at Ngā Kina sculptures, near Queens Wharf. We will follow the path of Kumutoto Awa through the CBD to the last stretch of stream that remains above ground at Kumutoto Forest, Kelburn.

In the event of bad weather, the hīkoi will be postponed to Sunday 19 April.