Waitangi

  • Accommodation:
    • Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
  • Transport:
    • The grounds are about a 3hr drive from Auckland
    • To get there, follow State Highway 1 north to Whangarei (165km) and then Kawakawa (a further 60km)
    • From there follow the signs to the Bay of Islands and Paihia (15km). Take the waterfront road through Paihia to the roundabout
    • Go straight through the roundabout, across the one-lane bridge to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is signposted
    • The grounds are a 25-minute walk or 2 minute drive if coming from Paihia
    • If travelling by bus from Auckland, buses depart daily from the InterCity SkyCity Terminal at 102 Hobson Street and arrive at the Paihia Maritime Building, adjacent to the wharf. The bus journey takes approximately 4hrs
  • Things to see:
    • The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s premier historic site where in 1840 New Zealand’s most significant document was signed by the British Crown and Māori Chiefs: the Treaty of Waitangi
    • Museum of Waitangi
    • Treaty House
    • Te Whare Rūnanga (House of Assembly)
    • Ceremonial War Canoe
    • Panoramic views of the Bay of Islands
    • The Flagstaff
  • Tips:
    • An adult ticket for a grounds day pass is $50
    • Visit Te Ana o Maikuku (Hobson’s Beach), used to launch the ceremonial war canoe every Waitangi Day
    • Nias Track is the short trail leading from Te Ana o Maikuku, up to the flagstaff lawn in front of the Treaty House and Te Whare Rūnanga
    • From Paihai, you can catch the ferry across to Russell to explore the once notorious “Hell Hole of the Pacific”, named because for its drinking, fighting and prostitution