Waka Warriors - Full Series

Episode One
The three chosen rangatahi go aboard the Haunui for the first time: Austin Bosch (Ngāpuhi), Keanu Townsend (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi) and Ricky Russell-Waipuka (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa). Once at sea, Rickylee struggles to adapt to the shift work. Austin reflects on past experiences on the water and quickly re-finds his feet, while Keanu's turbulent tummy keeps him occupied until the crew hits the Bay of Islands.

Episode Two
Austin, Keanu and Rickylee have been told that it's important for them to learn the Haunui haka, so they get a lesson. Austin keeps his cellphone close by while worrying about what his girlfriend back home is up to, and Keanu dedicates his trip to friends who have passed. After eight days at sea, the crew arrive in Kawhia and prepare for the 120th Tūrangawaewae Regatta.

Episode Three
Conditions take a turn for the worse on the Haunui, making for a rocky 180 nautical mile journey from Kāwhia to Whanganui. The trio get a rare look inside the Whanganui awa tikanga, alongside lessons in catching tuna (eel) and the healing properties of kawakawa with Turama Hawira.

Episode Four
The Haunui crew follow in the footsteps of Kupe and visit Kāpiti Island. Here, Rickylee discovers a hidden talent during a taiaha wānanga. With the help of sixth-generation Kāpiti local and kaitiaki Karl Webber, Austin finds a kōhatu (stone) to take on Haunui, and the crew plant trees on Mana Island.

Episode Five
The rangatahi get their first taste of some of the most dangerous waters in Aotearoa — Te Moana-o-Raukawa (Cook Strait). On the 200 nautical mile journey from Mana Island to Ahuriri/Napier, Mama Liz becomes phone warden so the rangitahi can lock in and focus on the rough waters. Rickylee gets an unexpected visit from a loved one, and they come with kōura (crayfish). Austin cooks up a feast, and the crew kick off Day 26 in Ahuriri.

Episode Six
In this episode, the rangatahi make the 75 nautical mile sail from Tokomaru Bay, around the East Cape to the small settlement of Omaio. Rickylee practises her dolphin language and makes matarau (fish nets) with national treasure and “the Koro everyone wants”, Danie Craven Poihipi, a.k.a. Uncle Danie.

Episode Seven
In Eastern Bay of Plenty, Danie Craven Poihipi puts Keanu to work in his carving studio. Uncle Danie's niece Kylie Poihipi, shows Austin and co how to make kahawai with one ingredient — “aroha”. The crew are happy when Uncle Danie hitches a ride on Haunui to Taurang, where Jacko Thatcher takes the group pipi hunting. Keanu takes the boys for a surf at his home beach before visiting friends who have passed, wrapping up with a waiata in his home studio with the waka crew.  

Episode Eight
Rickylee visits Tūhua/Mayor Island. With the help of the island's kaitiaki Victoria Harimate, Rickylee finds out about the obsidian found here, after which the island is named. Keanu and crew member Rawiri meet Māori artist Jason Porter, artist of the designs on Haunui, for advice on tā moko. Rawiri goes under the tattoo gun. The crew leaves Tauranga for the last leg of their journey, a 140 nautical mile sail to Tāmaki Makaurau via Kennedy Bay for a kai of paua and kina. The rangatahi are just days away from finding out who will be selected to go to Rarotonga.

Episode Nine
After the six-week sail, the day has come for Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and the crew of the Haunui to decide who will be selected to sail to Rarotonga. The crew reconnect with the rangatahi in Tāmaki Makaurau, to see how the voyage has changed them. The rangatahi are given one more shot at persuading Hoturoa and the Haunui crew to pick them for the Raratonga trip.

Episode Ten
The chosen rangatahi board Haunui once again, this time headed for Rarotonga. Emotional and excited, they set sail with the crew into the Pacific, leaving Aotearoa behind. With no landmarks to help guide them, the Haunui crew has one goal; to stay on course and reach their destination.