Many water sports of today were also traditional water sports of the Maori.

Swimming was a popular past time, with side stroke, breast stroke, back stroke and free style all being used. Swimming races in the different styles were common.

Surf riding was another popular sport, either with or without a board. Sometimes surf riding was done on small canoes holding 1 - 3 people.

Canoe racing on both rivers and the sea was also practiced.