Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The story of our past, present and future

One experience is essential in order to gain an insight into the foundation and character of this country. To understand who we are, we must know where we came from and how we grew together to become one multi-cultural nation.

This story, with its drama, conflict and reconciliation, unfolds around the unique treaty that forged the relationship between Maori and the British colonists. It is the story of The Treaty of Waitangi.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is more than a museum. It's living history; a place where the past, present and future meet in a well-maintained natural landscape complete with guided walks, a historic precinct, an intricately-carved Maori meeting house and one of the world's largest ceremonial war canoes. A naval flagstaff marks the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

History comes alive on a guided tour and, several times a day, the He Tohu group give an intimate, spine-tingling cultural performance.

The Visitors' Centre plays an awe-inspiring audio-visual show outlining the history of Waitangi and the Bay of Islands, and an artefact gallery displays taonga [treasures] in the care of the Waitangi National Trust.