The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where Te Tiriti o Waitangi — the founding document of New Zealand — was first signed on 6 February 1840. Situated on a headland 2 kilometres north of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, the site encompasses the Treaty House, the wharenui Te Whare Rūnanga, the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, and two dedicated museums. It is the most significant historic site in New Zealand and a visit here provides essential context for understanding the country, its people and its founding story.
Practical Information
| Location | 1 Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi, Bay of Islands |
|---|---|
| Distance from Whangārei | ~90 km north; about 1 hour by car |
| Opening hours | Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Adult entry (international) | $74 |
| Adult entry (NZ resident, ID required) | $37 |
| Youth 13–17 (NZ resident) | $18.50 |
| Children under 12 | Free (with paying adult) |
| Included | Guided tour (50 min), cultural performance (30 min), museum access |
About the Treaty Grounds
On 6 February 1840, representatives of the British Crown and around 40 Māori rangatira gathered at this headland above the Bay of Islands to sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The treaty was subsequently taken around the country for further signatures, ultimately signed by over 500 rangatira. It remains the founding constitutional document of New Zealand, though debate about its interpretation and application continues to shape the country’s politics and society today.
The Treaty House is the original 1833 Residency of the British Resident James Busby, a pre-fabricated colonial building that has been carefully restored. Beside it stands Te Whare Rūnanga, an elaborately carved meeting house representing all the iwi of New Zealand — each panel carved by a different tribal group. On the waterfront below the grounds sits Ngātokimatawhaorua, a 35-metre war canoe carved from three giant kauri trees, the largest traditional Māori vessel in the world.
Museums on Site
Entry includes access to two museums. Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi covers the signing of the treaty in depth, with original documents, taonga and interactive exhibits that present both Crown and Māori perspectives on what the treaty means and what happened after. Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship focuses on Māori military service in the World Wars, a rarely told story told with powerful personal accounts and artefacts.
Where to Learn More
Entry fees, booking, tour times, cultural performances and full visitor information.
waitangi.org.nz
Overview of the site and visitor tips from Tourism New Zealand.
newzealand.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for a visit to Waitangi?
Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to take in the guided tour, cultural performance, treaty grounds and both museums. A half-day is ideal.
Is Waitangi worth visiting for children?
Yes. Children under 12 enter free. The waka, meeting house and cultural performance hold attention well. The museums have some interactive elements but are more text-heavy for older visitors.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking online is recommended, especially in summer and around Waitangi Day (6 February), when the grounds are very busy with national commemorations.
When is Waitangi Day?
6 February. It is a New Zealand public holiday marking the anniversary of the treaty signing. The grounds host significant commemorative events on this day each year.
Can I visit Waitangi without a guided tour?
Entry includes a guided tour and cultural performance — these are part of the standard ticket and are the best way to understand the site. Self-guided wandering of the grounds is also possible.
Is Waitangi close to Russell?
Waitangi is 2 km north of Paihia. Russell is a 15-minute passenger ferry ride from Paihia Wharf — easy to combine both in one day.
See all day trip options from the Day Trips from Whangārei hub, or read the full guide to Paihia and the Bay of Islands.