Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Experience the birthplace of modern New Zealand with Great North Tours at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the nation's most significant historic site. Overlooking the sparkling Bay of Islands, this expansive estate is where the founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, was first signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. Explore the beautifully preserved Treaty House and the intricately carved Te Whare Rūnanga (Meeting House), where you can witness a powerful, spine-tingling cultural performance featuring the haka. Don't miss the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, Ngātokimatawhaorua, or the state-of-the-art Te Rau Aroha museum, which poignantly tells the stories of Māori commitment to the armed forces. Whether you are walking through the lush native forest or standing on the spot where history was made, a visit to Waitangi offers a profound and moving insight into the dual heritage that shapes the spirit of Aotearoa.