Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a significant historic site where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped by the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi by Maori and the British Crown.
Waitangi Experience Admission
Valid for admission over two days, the Waitangi Experience Pass includes a 50 minute guided tour, a 30 minute Maori cultural performance, entry to two museums, the Treaty House, the carving studio and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the Birthplace (Te Pitowhenua) of New Zealand.
It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. The previous day a draft of the Treaty in English and Māori was discussed before a gathering of about 500 Māori and 200 Pākehā. Many Māori were suspicious of what was intended, but after much debate around 40 chiefs signed the Treaty on February 6th. The Treaty was then taken on a journey around the country to visit the chieftains who had been unable to travel to Waitangi and by September 1840 another 500 chiefs around the country had signed.
For individual guests or groups, there is a range of activities to enhance your visit to the Treaty Grounds. The enthusiastic, award-winning guides and events professionals will work to add value and impact to a memorable visit.
Daily Guided Tours
You can enjoy the scenery and the indoor shows, crafts and Treaty House Museum, whatever the weather. Daily guided tours and Maori cultural performances are available, and inbetween you can relax and refresh yourself at either of the two cafés. Be entertained and informed with a Maori cultural performance of traditional and contemporary song.