Explore Aotearoa’s Most Important Historic Site
Set above the Bay of Islands with sweeping coastal views, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where Māori chiefs and the British Crown signed New Zealand’s founding document in 1840. Today, it’s a beautifully presented cultural and historic attraction that welcomes visitors from around the world.
Your entry includes a guided tour of the grounds, access to two excellent museums, and a live Māori cultural performance in an intricately carved meeting house. From the Treaty House and flagstaff to the massive ceremonial waka (canoe), each element adds depth to the story of New Zealand’s past and present.
Bay of Islands Tours & Activities
Culture, Nature and Stories in the Bay of Islands
Waitangi is more than a museum—it’s a living cultural space where stories are shared and honoured. The modern Te Rau Aroha Museum tells the story of Māori involvement in the New Zealand military, while the Treaty of Waitangi Museum focuses on the founding events of the nation.
The grounds themselves offer gardens, forest trails and coastal walks, along with stunning views over the bay. It’s easy to combine a visit to Waitangi with time in Paihia, Russell or Kerikeri, making this a must-do highlight on any Northland journey.
Things to Do at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Here are some of the top experiences at this iconic cultural site:
- Join a guided tour of the historic Treaty Grounds
- Watch a live Māori cultural performance in a meeting house
- Visit Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi
- Explore Te Rau Aroha Museum of Māori military history
- See the original Treaty House and its colonial garden
- Walk through native bush to the Haruru Falls trail
- Admire the carved ceremonial waka (Ngātokimatawhaorua)
- Learn about Māori and British history in depth
- Enjoy coastal views from the clifftop flagstaff
- Relax in the café and browse the gift shop
