The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are New Zealand’s most important historical site. It was here that the Waitangi Treaty was first signed on 6 February 1840. This treaty was the founding document of the New Zealand nation, a collaborative venture between the British and the Maori. And the grounds themselves seem to symbolise this partnership, bringing together these two very different cultures.

In this guest post, Karen Warren, a freelance writer, book reviewer and novelist takes us on a journey to discover the Waiting Treaty Grounds in New Zealand. For more about her travels check out her website WorldWideWriter. But now, discover the history of the Waitangi Treaty and why a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds should be taken when visiting New Zealand.

Why Are The Waitangi Treaty Grounds Important?

The Waitangi Treaty was signed at several different places throughout New Zealand. However James Busby, the British government’s representative in New Zealand, lived at Waitangi, and it was here that the terms of the Treaty were negotiated. The final document was the result of five years’ discussion between Busby and Maori tribal leaders. In 1840 William Hobson landed on Waitangi Beach to sign the treaty on behalf of Queen Victoria. Today a tall flagpole marks the spot where the Treaty was first signed.

What is the Waitangi Treaty?

The Treaty officially recognised British settlement. It also confirmed the authority of the Maori chiefs, formalising their right to land and resources. For the first time New Zealand was brought together as a country with a common government.

It may seem surprising that the Maori chiefs were willing to sign the Treaty. In fact there were a number of chiefs who refused to do so, but the majority (about 500) agreed to co‑operate. There were a number of reasons for this. For one thing, the country was full of traders and other settlers who were not subject to any regulation. New Zealand was a lawless place at that time, and land disputes were common. The Treaty was seen as a way of subjecting unruly Britons (and others) to British law. It was also hoped that it would bring peace to the Maori themselves, who had always suffered a certain amount of inter-tribal conflict. More pragmatically, change was probably seen as inevitable. It was better to negotiate the terms of government than to have them imposed.

A Partnership Between The Maori And The British

As you walk around the Treaty Grounds you will see a symbolic harmony between British and Maori elements. The grounds themselves are laid out in the European style, with formal lawns and gardens. But you enter the site along a boardwalk passing a whole range of native plants and trees. And James Busby’s colonial house stands opposite the Maori Meeting Hall. Interestingly, James Busby made a point of filling his garden with a mixture of native and European species.

Although Waitangi was the home of the British Residency, it also has long associations with the Maori people. In particular, the beach was once known as Te Ana o Maikuku (Maikuku’s Cave). The legend is that a chief’s daughter once lived in a cave on this beach, and that her son, Te Ra, became an important ancestor of the local people. In recognition of the continuing importance of Waitangi to the Maori a ceremonial canoe was built in 1940 to commemorate the Treaty’s centenary. The canoe is launched every year on 6 February, Waitangi Day.

James Busby garden planted with a mixture of native and European plants

Celebrate Waitangi Day

There are still those who feel, like the original dissenting Maori chiefs, that the Treaty was misguided, and that it has not always been implemented in the way it was intended. However, for many New Zealanders, at home and abroad, Waitangi Day, the day the treaty was signed is an important national festival. And as always, there will be celebrations at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day plus in other locations in New Zealand and around the world.

Organise Your Visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

If you want to include a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in your New Zealand, here is how to organise your visit.

Where are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds?

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are found in Waitangi in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Waitangi is some 235km north of Auckland making it about a three and a half drive. Some people visit as a day trip from Auckland. If you need to rent a car to drive there independently get rates and to book through DiscoverCars. 

Best Time to Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds and logistics?

Anytime is a good time to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It is open every day, except Christmas Day. If you can be there on Waitangi Day, 6th February, there is a festival at the grounds. 

Address: Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi 0293, New Zealand
Openging Time: 9am – 5pm
Cost: International Adult Visitors – $60, New Zealand residents – $30 (must have ID with evidence), Kids up to 18 – free.
Admission is for 2 consecutive days and can be booked here and includes

• Informative guided tour around Waitangi Treaty Grounds (50 minutes)
• Maori cultural experience (30 minutes)
• Full access to New Zealand’s most important historic site, including all heritage buildings and the world’s largest ceremonial waka.
• Entry to Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi
• Entry to Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenshiip

As there is plenty to see at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds plan to spend at least 3-4 hours there. 

Where to Stay near the Waitangi Treaty Grounds?

If you want to stay extend your stay in the Bay of Islands area, the nearest town to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is Paihai. Check out accommodation here. 

Are You Ready to Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds?

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