Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 in a magnificent setting. The Treaty House was designed by the colonial architect, John Verge of New South Wales, for the British Resident, James Busby. In 1932 the house and surrounding 500 hectares were gifted to the nation by Lord Bledisloe. The original house plans were used in its restoration.

Since 1934 there has been an annual commemoration (Waitangi Day) of signing of the Treaty (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) here in February. Often in latter years this has been an occasion for protest related to the debate about the significance of the Treaty to modern-day New Zealand. In 2016 the Waitangi National Trust, which manages the Treaty Grounds, opened a new Treaty museum, bringing together the location, the Treaty house, the beautiful meeting house (Whare Rununga) and the history as a visitor experience.

In the expansive grounds, featuring the flagstaff where the Treaty was signed, and bounded to the east by the beach Te Ana o Maikuku, also known as Hobson's Beach, you can see the Nga Puhi war canoe (Waka) Ngatokimatawhaorua. It is the largest such waka, at 35 metres, built for the 1940 Centennial commemorations of the signing of the Treaty, and forms part of the annual ceremony. The story of its construction, traditional wood splicing, lashing, caulking and carving is told in the Canoe House. Educate yourself by clicking through to NZ ON Screen, The Waitangi Collection.

Added to the Treaty Grounds and opened in 2020 was a museum dedicated to Maori who have served in the armed forces, named Te Rau Aroha. Sir Willy Apiata VC was amongst the opening party. The Museum took it's name, which it shares with the country's southernmost Marae at Bluff, from the now symbolic WWII Mobile Canteen Truck 'Te Rau Aroha.' The kai truck was initially bought after fundraising by children at Native Schools during the War and travelled with the 28th Maori Batallion around Europe. It usually lresides at Waiouru Army Museum, but was transported to Waitangi for the opening of the museum.

Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi Mini- Art Print

MAORI HANGI DINNER AND CONCERT AT THE WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS

WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS DAY PASS