The Whare Waka has been designed to house the Te Arawa taua (war canoe). The design Ensures the waka is fully visable to visitors while also secure and protected from the elements.

There is an open glass façade, with targeted lighting to illuminate the expanse and size of the waka.  The buildings orientation and location within the reserve gives prominence to the taonga, a clear view from the lake through to Tutanekai Street and Te Manawa, the heart of our city. As the waka
is used during cultural events and to train the younger generation, the buildings layout and surrounding landscape allows the vessel to be moved to and from the lake.