Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Paihia, Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Paihia, Bay of Islands

Nau mai Haere mai – Welcome to New Zealand’s most important historic site. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are an absolute must-do when you are in the Bay of Islands – rich in history and stories of the momentous events which shaped our nation.

Gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture during a guided tour with one of our professional guides and enjoy a high quality cultural performance in our beautiful carved meeting house (Whare Runanga).

waitangi-treaty-grounds-bush-walks-history Explore the Treaty House grounds set on the waters edge with fantastic views over Paihia and across the bay to historic Russell.

Marvel at the scale of Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the world’s largest carved war canoes (waka taua). Take time to wander through the beautiful grounds of the Waitangi estate, complete with extensive gardens, bush tracks, beaches, and fabulous views over the Bay of Islands and beyond.

Museum of Waitangi.

waitangi-treaty-grounds-museum-maori-displays The Museum of Waitangi offers our visitors fascinating exhibitions and learning spaces that greatly enhance experiences of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Stories of Waitangi, the place and the Treaty, are narrated through high quality exhibitions that use multi-media and strong visual displays. Significant taonga (treasures) associated with Waitangi and laden with meaning have made the journey home to help relate our country’s founding story .

Our main exhibition takes visitors through the entire ground floor of the museum. From first tentative contacts to Treaty-making at Waitangi in 1840, the growth of the formal relationship between M?ori and the British unfolds. The Documents Room allows visitors to investigate the Treaty itself, its travels around the country, the hundreds of people who chose to sign it, and with what expectations.

Waitangi Guided Tours.

waitangi-treaty-grounds-visitor-with-maori-guide The best way to enhance your visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is with a guided tour. Many of our guides descend from signatories to the Treaty bringing their personal connection to Waitangi and their stories to life that will enhance your understanding of the relevance of the Treaty and introduce you to some of the key personalities and past events that have shaped the nation of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Catering to small groups, tours depart hourly from 10am until last tour at 4pm having a duration of approx. 50 minutes.

Waitangi Cultural Performances.

waitangi-treaty-grounds-maori-cultural-performabnce All performances commence with a traditional Maori welcome outside the Meeting House performed by our resident group, ‘Te Pitowhenua’. Here they introduce you to New Zealand’s unique indigenous culture in Te Whare Rananga, giving a fun-filled and spine tingling performance of Waiata (singing), Maori weaponry, stick games, the Poi as well as the famous haka. After the show you have time to interact with the performers, ask questions and have your photo taken with the group.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Daily Schedule

Entrance Price: $50 per person Children under 18 Free

Guided Tour:

Every hour on the hour, 10am to 4pm

Cultural Performance:
October and November: 11am, 1pm and 3pm
December to March: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm
April to September: 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

To make the most of your visit you should to allow at least three to four hours for your Waitangi Treaty Grounds experience.