Waitangi Treaty Grounds Admission
Recommended by 92% of travelers
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Bay of Islands, New Zealand
- 1 to 2 days (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Stand on the spot where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Find out how this document was forged with admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Your day pass is valid for two consecutive days and includes an informative guided tour, an introductory film, a cultural performance, and full access to the historic site.
- Admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Intro film, guided tour, and cultural performance
- Multiple times offered throughout the day
- Pass is valid for two consecutive days
What's Included
- All activities
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Local guide
- Live entertainment
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Operating hours
- 02/07/2026 - 09/30/2026
Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 10/01/2026 - 02/03/2027
Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 02/07/2027 - 09/30/2027
Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Departure Point
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 1 Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi 0293 New Zealand
What To Expect
Make your way to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands and engage in a variety of educational activities scheduled during operating hours. Expect to spend a few hours exploring New Zealand's most historic site; you can use your admission ticket for two consecutive days.
Perhaps start with Waitangi – Birthplace of a Nation, an introductory film about how Aotearoa's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was created between the British Crown and the North Island’s Māori chiefs. Then embark on a 50-minute guided tour, which run every hour on the hour. You'll find a copy of the treaty in the Visitor Centre, see an authentic ceremonial war canoe, and even stand in the spot where the treaty was signed.
Step foot in the Museum of Waitangi Te Kōngahu, opened in 2016. See permanent and changing exhibits, along with an education center on the first floor, and make use of multimedia and visual displays. Significant taonga (treasures) associated with Waitangi were scattered throughout New Zealand and now take their place in the museum.
Don't miss a 30-minute cultural performance outside the meeting house where Te Pitowhenua, a resident performing arts group, welcomes you inside with a traditional Māori welcome (powhiri). Seated in stunning carved surroundings that depict history and genealogy, you'l watch a high-energy show. Poi twirling, Māori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies, and a traditional haka dance will leave you spellbound. After the show there is an opportunity to meet the performers, ask questions, and take photos with them.
Perhaps start with Waitangi – Birthplace of a Nation, an introductory film about how Aotearoa's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was created between the British Crown and the North Island’s Māori chiefs. Then embark on a 50-minute guided tour, which run every hour on the hour. You'll find a copy of the treaty in the Visitor Centre, see an authentic ceremonial war canoe, and even stand in the spot where the treaty was signed.
Step foot in the Museum of Waitangi Te Kōngahu, opened in 2016. See permanent and changing exhibits, along with an education center on the first floor, and make use of multimedia and visual displays. Significant taonga (treasures) associated with Waitangi were scattered throughout New Zealand and now take their place in the museum.
Don't miss a 30-minute cultural performance outside the meeting house where Te Pitowhenua, a resident performing arts group, welcomes you inside with a traditional Māori welcome (powhiri). Seated in stunning carved surroundings that depict history and genealogy, you'l watch a high-energy show. Poi twirling, Māori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies, and a traditional haka dance will leave you spellbound. After the show there is an opportunity to meet the performers, ask questions, and take photos with them.
1
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible however be prepared for uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Dogs and other animals are not permitted, except for Guide Dogs. This includes being left in cars
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 346 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Jeffrey_D, Apr 2026
No demo of war canoe.
Ceremony excelent but a bit too short.
Tour good and interesting.
War musuem interesting - impressive memorial room.
Nicola_M, Mar 2026
This is so much more than a visit to an outdoor space where the treaty was signed. It offers an insight into the history and culture of New Zealand by way of a guided tour and cultural performance which gave us an understanding of what led to the treaty and how it was perceived at the time. Our tour guide was amazing, the enthusiasm and knowledge she shared with us for the history of the Treaty made it so interesting. It was a really wet, windy day so we did not spend too long outside but there were plenty of indoor areas and a museum to explore. This visit went beyond my expectations and in my opinion is a must do activity.
Graham_G, Mar 2026
The guide around the grounds was very engaging , passionate and informative. She really brought alive the whole experience and built on what we’d seen in the exhibition. This was followed by a moving Moari session which added to the whole experience. Breakfast at the cafe there was really good too!
James_B, Mar 2026
Easy to walk to from the tender wharf. Very enjoyable. Our tour guide Rose was very informative. Cultural show was amazing. Well worth the visit
Allison_M, Mar 2026
Beautiful grounds , guided tour is worth doing as is the culture performance. Allow 2-3 hrs for your visit so you have time to explore the museum
William_E, Mar 2026
Guide focused on unique partnership aspect between indigenous people and English colonizers as defined in treaty. Mentioned that still had some conflict over time in terms of implementation but did not go into any details of the degree of conflict. From my limited knowledge of history, i would agree that this agreement was uniquely fair. I had no feelings of the degree of the practice of partnership over time. (I suspect fair initially, less fair over time, more fair today.). The oral presentation on fairness was repeated twice - at the very beginning of the guided tour and then at the end of the guided tour. However, the tour only really guided during the presentation of the war canoe artifact. This portion of the tour aas excellent . The tour did not bring you into any other building. The cultural exhibit did not enforce scheduled attendance time. We were packed to overflowing with people who did not have tags for the presentation. Our seats were ok but not optimal. The cultural presentation was good but the viewing arrangement was less than optimal. In my opinion, the guided tour was almost a waste of money. It seemed to me that there were other people were walking from the carpark to the treaty grounds and culture exhibition without paying. Entrance to the initial museum did seem like it required purchase of a ticket. However the tour did not take you inside and due to time spent with the guide we never got to see the movie inside. I would say, pay for entrance and watch the movie but skip the guide.
Gillian_M, Feb 2026
Easy walk from cruise terminal. Repurchased tickets so lady booked us in for the group tour he was very funny and lots of info on the history of the treaty grounds and moari culture. The cultural dancing and music was lovely.
Angela_C, Feb 2026
This was a great experience, the grounds are walking distance from the Waitangi wharf, if you arrive by tender from a cruise ship. We really enjoyed ourselves and walked through the grounds and museum buildings. There is detailed information about the history of the relationship between the Máori and the British, with lots of photos, videos (reenactments), paintings and drawings. We attended a fascinating cultural experience where we took quite a few photos and were very impressed and entertained.
Highly recommend
Kristen_L, Feb 2026
This was a wonderful experience! Our guide was informative and easy to listen to. The cultural experience was awesome!
Kylie_B, Feb 2026
Had an amazing time, lucky enough to have seen the 12pm performance which was great. The house was great to walk through and get an understanding of the history. There was a coffee cart nearby for a pick me up. The museum is a must see, it is perfectly set up. The gift shop had amazing items to purchase, great selection. Cafe on site as well if you are peckish afterwards. A must see.
Lisa_A, Feb 2026
A hour guided tour of the treaty ground followed by a 30 minute Maori dance - not a haka, just a dance. The museum is excellent and plan on devoting at least an hour to it to get an understanding of the relationship between the Maori and the British. Our guide was very good. The dance does not seem to be authentic, at least as not compared to the one we saw at the War Memorial in Auckland. The largest waka - canoe - in existence. Definitely worth the time and money
Suzanne_D, Feb 2026
This is a beautiful experience especially if a first timer. So much information available and in such a beautiful and respectful environment.
Rosemary_S, Jan 2026
Excellent insight into the history and culture of the Māori people.
Beautiful grounds, stunning views.
Guided tour and cultural show are a must
Rhonda_F, Jan 2026
A fantastic insight into Mauri culture and traditions. The addition of the memorial to Mauri servicemen and women was beautiful
Jeanette_T, Jan 2026
This was a very informative experience with lots to see and the history side of it was very interesting, well worth the time.
Maggie_N, Dec 2025
Shuttle buses are available from the tender (boat) drop of point, however it is a only a 10-15 minute walk to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, if you prefer this option. It was a wonderful cultural experience, we were all warmly welcomed. I Highly recommend a visit.
Leanne_C, Dec 2025
Knowledgeable guides, beautiful grounds, comprehensive history and entertaining performances. Museum were moving.
Rebecca_R, Nov 2025
Informative experience and a beautiful location. Great guide and interesting cultural performance after the tour
Teresa_F, Nov 2025
It is important for everyone to learn from this experience - the history of NZ is relevant to the rest of the world too.
Fascinating guide who was very knowledgeable and ready to share with us his experience
Dorothy_S, Oct 2025
Great way to learn about Maori history and culture. Spread across 2 days gives you plenty of time to enjoy everything on offer
Kylie_s, Oct 2025
I only had an hour because of another trip and some heavy rain that hit so I can only make a very limited comment. I was able to attend the Cultural Performance which quite literally moved me to tears. To stand at the birthplace of a nation and be welcomed so beautifully by an ancient culture is really special. I had time to visit one of the museums and take some time to reflect at the flag pole. When I head back to NZ again next year I’ll go back and really take my time.
Sandy_G, Jun 2025
brilliant knowledgeable guides who explain the treaty and how it came into existence whilst giving wonderful insights to the main characters involved. As an outsider from Australia it was most informative and thoughrly enjoyable
JOSE_V, Apr 2025
Educational, beautiful, amazing! Loved everything from beginning to end. Would highly recommend this for everyone visiting the Bay of Islands.
rogerl666, Mar 2025
Very informative. Sad history of NZ past but glad there is a place to learn from the bad and hopefully move forward with peace.
Terence_E, Mar 2025
The guide was excellent.
The explanation of the history was good and informative.
There appeared to be more restrictions than at other venues e.g. not videoing, and reasons not explained.
The show was not as good as other similar events.
Jay_S, Mar 2025
Interesting tour and show. Worth it to do if you have the time and interest. Learned a lot. Nice grounds and museum.
David_H, Feb 2025
God guided tour and commentary. Interesting museum and beautiful grounds. No need to add anything further.
Penelope_H, Feb 2025
There is so much to see in the museum you need quite a bit of time and the one hour tour and then cultural experience as part of ticket shouldn’t be missed.
steve_p, Feb 2025
Interesting visit, history museum very fair without bias. Guided tour good to get the layout of the grounds. Show good singing dancing and weapon demonstration. Cafe ok for snacks. Walked from Paihia in 15 minutes.
Susan_C, Feb 2025
Very informative guide of the wonderful Treaty Grounds and buildings, followed by a fun Maorie performance by a group of talented young people.
The exhibitors were well laid out, with so much detail.
More time needed to do justice to this experience so we used Day2 of the pass to return to the exhibitions.
From $43.62
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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