An architect says waka ama could be taking tourists up and down the Avon River in a newly-built Christchurch.
A $2 billion plan being developed by the Christchurch City Council to turn the earthquake-damaged CBD into a people-friendly, low-rise city will go out for public consultation on Tuesday.
Rau Hoskins from Nga Aho, a network of Maori designers, says the February quake has created opportunities for local tribe Ngai Tahu.
He says waka ama are primarily used for fitness and competition, but the outrigger canoes could join punts on the water.
Mr Hoskins says up until now, tourism in Christchurch has been based on English heritage and there is a real opportunity for the pre-colonial Ngai Tahu history to be revealed.
Waka ama clubs could also be set up on the banks of the Avon, he says.