The programme, which began on Friday and ended yesterday, involved about 60 University of Otago physical education students.
It was part of the Kia Maanu, Kia Ora (Stay Afloat, Stay Alive) campaign sponsored by New Zealand Post's ActivePost initiative, and was organised by the Te Taitimu Trust in collaboration with Water Safety New Zealand and the University of Otago.
Trust founder Zack Makoare, of Flaxmere, said the university students were now equipped to teach others in the community about water safety and the traditional Maori customs associated with respect for the water.
''It was an awesome wananga, we were very lucky with the weather and having it at the marae in Karitane was special. It's so important to have the support and involvement of the community,'' he said.
It was the first time the programme had been held away from the North Island. Mr Makoare was eager to stage it in other coastal communities.
''I think Karitane and the marae could become the hub for the wananga in the South Island,'' he said.
Otago physical education lecturer Anne-Marie Jackson said it was a great opportunity for students to learn, as well as strengthen their ties with one another and the Maori community.
''It was a wonderful weekend. The students thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of learning about the depth of understanding around Maori and their approach to the water. We got to strengthen those bonds with hapu and will build on that in the future,'' she said.
The wananga included waka ama and stand-up board paddling as well as workshops and presentations on the marae.
