Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Paihia, Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Paihia, Bay of Islands

Nau mai Haere mai – Welcome to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, our most important historic site, with fantastic views over Paihia and across the bay to Russell.

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 (Te Whare Rananga).

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. Enjoy an inspiring and interactive full day experience as you 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), a quality café in tranquil surrounds, and so much more, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.

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 K0ngahu 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 Maori 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.

Te Rau Aroha

The theme of the museum’s main exhibition is the Price of Citizenship. The contemporary, immersive and interactive museum is divided into three galleries and incorporates state of the art technology to help bring its stories to life.

The first gallery tells the story of the Maori commitment to the armed forces. It includes exhibitions on the New Zealand Wars and the Boer War, with a strong focus on the Pioneer Battalion of World War I and the 28 (Maori) Battalion of World War II. The second gallery is dedicated to the 28 (Maori) Battalion’s A Company, most of whom hailed from Northland. It tells the personal stories of the soldiers and their families. The third gallery acts as a contemplative Whare Maumahara (house of memories) for visitors, descendants and whanau.

Waitangi Guided Tours.

The best way to enhance your visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is with a guided tour. Many of our local guides descend from signatories to the Treaty bringing their personal connection to Waitangi and their stories to life. This will enhance your understanding of the relevance of the Treaty and introduce you to some of the key personalities and past events which have 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 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 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