Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Paihia, Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Paihia, Bay of Islands

Nau mai Haere mai – Welcome to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most significant historic landmark, which boasts spectacular views of Paihia and over the bay to Russell.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a must-see when in the Bay of Islands — they are brimming with history and stories of pivotal events that created our nation. Take a guided tour with one of our professional guides and enjoy a high-quality cultural performance in our stunning carved meeting house (Te Whare Rananga).

Take time to stroll through the Waitangi estate’s beautiful grounds, which include extensive gardens, woodland paths, beaches, and spectacular views over the Bay of Islands and beyond. Discover Waitangi’s two contemporary museums, powerful Maori cultural performances, informative guided tours, lush native forest and gardens, carving studio with live demonstrations, marvel at the scale of Ngatokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial war canoes (waka taua), and for refreshments the Whare Waka café in tranquil surrounds, and so much more to experience, all with stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

Pass is Valid for two days so you can explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds at your leisure

Our Day Pass is valid for two consecutive days and includes admission to Waitangi Treaty Grounds plus so much more! Included in your day pass experience is:

An informative guided tour around Waitangi Treaty Grounds with one of our local guides (50 minutes)
A high-energy, entertaining Maori cultural performance (30 minutes)
Entry to the modern and interactive Te Kangahu Museum of Waitangi
Entry to Te Rau Aroha, our recently opened museum which commemorates the service and sacrifice of Maori in the NZ Armed Forces
Time to explore Waitangi’s heritage buildings, such as the Treaty House (home to the first British Resident) and the Carved Meeting House
Live demonstrations in our Maori Carving Studio
Up close and personal experience with the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe
A film introduction to Waitangi, Birthplace of a Nation (22 minutes)
Full access to New Zealand’s most important historic site, heritage buildings, bush walks and spectacular Bay of Islands views.

We also have a large gift shop for all your souvenirs and an all-day onsite cafe, where you can stop and relax

Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi.

Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi provides unique displays and educational spaces that significantly enhance visitors’ experiences on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The history of Waitangi, the site, and the Treaty is told via high-quality exhibitions that use multi-media and compelling visual displays. Significant taonga (artefacts) related with Waitangi and laden with meaning have made the journey home to help relate our country’s founding story.

Our major display spans the museum’s whole ground level. From initial tentative contacts through the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the development of the Maori-British official relationship is traced. The Documents Room enables visitors to learn about the Treaty itself, its journey around the country, the hundreds of people who opted to sign it, and the expectations that accompanied their decision.

Te Rau Aroha

The museum’s major exhibition is titled The Cost of Citizenship. The contemporary, immersive, and interactive museum is organised into three galleries and features cutting-edge technology that helps bring the museum’s tales to life.

The first gallery chronicles Maori service in the military services. It has displays on the New Zealand Wars and the Boer War, with a particular emphasis on World War I’s Pioneer Battalion and World War II’s 28 (Maori) Battalion. The second gallery is dedicated to the A Company of the 28 (Maori) Battalion, the most of whom were from Northland. It tells the soldiers’ and their families’ personal stories. For visitors, descendants, and whanau, the third gallery serves as a meditative Whare Maumahara (house of recollections).

Waitangi Guided Tours.

A guided tour is the finest way to enhance your visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Many of our indigenous guides are direct descendants of Treaty signatories, bringing their personal connection to Waitangi and their tales to life. This will help you grasp the Treaty’s significance and introduce you to some of the key personalities and historical events that shaped the nation of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Daily Schedule
26 December to 28 February – Tours depart every 30 minutes between 10am and 4:30pm
01 March to 24 December –Tours depart every hour on the hour between 10am and 4pm

Waitangi Cultural Performances.

All performances begin with a traditional Maori welcome performed by our local group, ‘Te Pitowhenua’, outside the Meeting House. In Te Whare Rananga, they introduce you to New Zealand’s distinctive indigenous culture through a fun-filled and spine-tingling performance of Waiata (singing), Maori weapons, stick games, the Poi, and the renowned haka. Following the performance, there will be an opportunity to engage with the artists, ask questions, and have your photo taken with the ensemble.

Waitangi cultural performances Daily Schedule
26 December to 28 February – 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm
01 March to 24 December – 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Waitangi Experience:

Adult $50.00
NZ resident (ID required) $25.00
Child (up to 18 years) Free