WHAT TO DO AT WAITANGI
Explore the two contemporary museums, Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga and traditional Māori waka taua. Visitors can also enjoy a full program of tours and cultural performances.
Waitangi has a world-class visitor experience introducing everyone to the narrative that is uniquely New Zealand. Paihia is an ideal location for visitors wishing to experience a Waitangi immersive experience where the Treaty of Waitangi and the relationship between the Crown (government) and traditional owners is explained.
- Te Rau Aroha Museum narrating the story of Maori battalions and their contribution to the defence of Aotearoa New Zealand. The main exhibition, Price of Citizenship Te Utu o Te Kiriraraunga uses contemporary interactive multimedia messaging to engage the audience.
- Waitangi grounds include a carving studio open to the public for viewing, a traditional Maori waka (canoe) and walks.
- Waitangi, one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs. The treaty agreed the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony.
- View a full-sized replica of the Treaty and learn about Maori culture and the events leading up to the Treaty. The museum Te Kongahu conducts regular guided tours.
THE BUSBY GARDEN. The current garden is not a replica of the original Busby garden. This is due to not enough definitive information regarding specific plantings. It is known that James Busby was responsible for the earliest documented plantings of grapes.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is open every day, except Christmas Day. The grounds are open from 9.00 am to late afternoon. Check beforehand for up to date opening hours. On Waitangi Day (6 February), there is a free festival at the Treaty Grounds. On this day, all buildings are closed to the public.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is located in Paihia of the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand.
Interested in whaling history? Make sure to check out Butler Whaling Museum & Gardens. Russell, former whaling ‘hell hole’ is a delightful Victorian destination.
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