Waitangi

WAITANGI ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Waitangi Information | Waitangi Tours

Waitangi is a historic town located in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 60 kilometres north of Whangarei.

In Waitangi a key place to visit is the Waitangi National Reserve which is one of New Zealand's most important historic sites. The reserve includes a massive war canoe, an elaborate Maori meeting house and the Treaty House, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. At the visitor centre you can view an introductory audio visual, and then browse a gallery of portraits and Maori weapons. Several times within the day there is a Maori cultural performance and an amusing sound and light show is staged most evenings. The Treaty House also serves as a museum, displays include a replica of the original treaty.

Waitangi Day on February 6 is a high travel time for visitors to Waitangi because it marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi. The treaty is an alliance of sorts which marked the unique combination of Maori and European culture and tradition. There are several activities and shows organised around the day, including an extremely inspiring movement of the traditional carved war canoes along the coast to Paihia.

Waitangi History

Waitangi is best known for being the location where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840; however, it is also the place where the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand was signed five years prior, on October 28, 1835. This document was ratified by the British Crown the following year (1836).

Main Towns in the Northland Region

Other Towns in the Northland Region