Explore Waitangi and Find Hotels

Waitangi brings together the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, and the annual Waitangi Day. Two distinct dates are important when planning a trip: the commemoration on 6 February and a seasonal evening experience running from October 2026 to April 2027. Historic sites and buildings also give a stay its own distinctive focus.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where New Zealand’s founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed on 6 February 1840. The Waitangi flagstaff marks this exact historic site. The grounds and the flagstaff therefore refer to the same event: the Treaty Grounds identify the place where the treaty was signed, while the flagstaff serves as a lasting reminder of it.

Another notable landmark is Te Whare Rūnanga, an intricately carved meeting house built in the traditional Māori style. It is made of wood and other natural materials. The building type, construction, and carvings give the house a distinctive architectural character within the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and complement the flagstaff’s historical significance with a cultural perspective.

Ngātokimatawhaorua and the annual commemoration

Ngātokimatawhaorua is one of the world’s largest ceremonial waka. It is kept in protective storage near Hobson Beach under Te Korowai ō Maikuku. Each February, the waka is launched as part of the Waitangi Day commemorations. This brings together a permanent feature of the Treaty Grounds and an annual occasion; the waka connects the two through its role in the commemorations.

Waitangi Day on 6 February

Every year on 6 February, people from all communities and backgrounds gather in Waitangi to commemorate the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi. The Waitangi Day Festival takes place on that date at the Treaty Grounds. It includes all-day entertainment, market stalls, and activities for children. The commemoration and festival give the day both historical significance and an event to attend.

The exact festival programme may vary from year to year. If you are travelling specifically for Waitangi Day, check that year’s programme in advance. This lets you plan around the specific occasion without assuming the event programme will stay the same.

A seasonal hāngī and concert experience

The Hāngī and Concert Evening Experience combines a live performance with a hāngī dinner at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It is available from October 2026 to April 2027; availability dates may change. Check the latest dates before making firm plans.

The time periods are quite different: Waitangi Day commemorations take place on 6 February, while the hāngī experience runs from October to April. If you are planning your trip around one of these offerings, you can first choose your travel dates accordingly, then search for hotels in Waitangi for your stay.

Explore other destinations: Opononi, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Te Kao, Waipoua Forest, Whangaroa, Waipapakauri, Waimate North

For the broader travel overview: Far North District.