EXPERIENCE MAORI CULTURE IN WAITANGI
When you are planning a cruise in New Zealand's Bay of Islands, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Waitangi. Considered as a part of Paihia, it is just an hour's walk from the port of Paihia to Waitangi. Waitangi's name means "weeping waters" in Maori. The locality is best known for being the location where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840.
The Treaty Grounds in Waitangi allows you to learn and immerse yourself in Maori culture as well as significant historical events correlating to the signing of the treaty. Waitangi offers an authentic, interactive and eye-opening cultural experience. The treaty grounds let you experience Maori cultural performances, lush native forests and a lot more.
MUST-EXPERIENCE THINGS AT WAITANGI
Maori Cultural Performances
Waitangi's cultural performances are performed by the resident performing arts group, Te Pitowhenua, inside the beautifully constructed Maori Meeting House.
The Treaty House
The former home of James Busby, the first British resident in New Zealand. This house is where James conducted official business as the representative of the British government from 1833 up to 1840.
Waitangi Museum
Te Kōngahu museum holds an amazing collection of stories and taonga (treasured objects) that brings to life one of New Zealand's important historic sites. Also housed in the museum is the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document.
Carved Meeting House
Te Whare Rūnanga or the House of Assembly features the Maori's beautifully intricate traditional design, carved into the structure. The carved meeting house was designed to represent the Maori's unity throughout New Zealand.
Maori Carving Studio
Carving is a mixture of both storytelling and art. Learn more about the Maori art of whakairo or wood carving from local kaiwhakairo (carvers) first hand.
Ceremonial War Canoe
Get to see a ceremonial waka taua or war canoe named Ngātokimatawhaorua. This war canoe is launched every February as a part of Waitangi Day. The canoe is so big that it needs at least 80 men to paddle it.
Realm of Tāne
Experience and immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna that inhabit the Treaty Grounds. Information panels are situated along the path to help you identify the plants and birds along the way.
Hāngi and Concert
End your day with Waitangi's Hāngi and Concert experience. Enjoy the evening with authentic Maori performance and a traditional Hāngi dinner cooked in an earth oven.
You'll never fully experience Maori culture unless you visit Waitangi, a short walk from Paihia.