Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a historic site on the waterfront in the Bay of Islands, featuring open lawns, heritage buildings, and carved Maori structures. The grounds include a 19th-century treaty house, a carved meeting house called Te Whare Runanga, and a boat store housing a large war canoe.
In 1840, more than 500 Maori leaders and British representatives gathered here to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, which formed the foundation of the New Zealand nation. The treaty house on the grounds was built in 1832 and served as the residence of British Resident James Busby before the signing.
The name Waitangi means noisy waters, referring to the place where the river meets the bay. The nearby Marae Te Tii Waitangi is still an active gathering place where ceremonies take place today, and visitors can sometimes observe preparations for these events.
The grounds are open daily and free parking is available on site. Guided tours are offered on the grounds and are a good way to understand the different buildings and structures at your own pace.
The war canoe Ngätokimatawhaorua, which is 35 meters long, is launched into the water every year on Waitangi Day. It was carved from three kauri tree trunks and can carry up to 80 paddlers at once.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
