Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Waitangi, New Zealand, is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the Bay of Islands.

This historic site is one of the most significant in the country and is even the location of an official public holiday called Waitangi Day. The Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed here in 1840, is considered the founding document of New Zealand, and the site preserves the land and several meeting houses that were built to celebrate the conception of New Zealand and Maori independence.

Visitors to the Treaty Grounds can explore the museum, see a Maori cultural performance, do a bushwalk, and visit the five main sights of the Treaty Grounds. The Te Whare Runanga, or the Carved Meeting House, is a magnificent sight that showcases traditional Maori carvings and artwork. Visitors can also see the historic flagstaff that marks the exact spot where the treaty was signed, the Treaty House, and the Ngatokimatawhaorua, which is a ceremonial war canoe.

To fully experience everything that the Treaty Grounds have to offer, it is recommended to allow two to three hours for your visit. Entry to the Treaty Grounds includes a guided tour, a cultural performance, and museum entry. Visitors can also purchase Waitangi Admissions to get full access to everything on offer at the Grounds, including performances, museums, carving studio, and more. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a fascinating journey into the country's unique history, and it is highly recommended to visit this significant historical landmark and memorial site when travelling to New Zealand's northern reaches.

The Treaty Grounds are open daily except for Christmas Day from 9 AM to 5 PM or 7 PM from December to February. During current COVID restrictions, visitors require a valid COVID vaccine certificate. The admission fee for visitors aged 18 years old and over is NZD 60 for international visitors, while children aged under 18 years old can enter for free. Visitors with a New Zealand driver's license can use it to get a discounted entry price into the Treaty Grounds. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are 234 kilometers north of Auckland, about a 3-hour 20-minute drive via State Highway 1. They are a 2-minute drive or short 3-kilometer walk from Paihia in the Bay of Islands.