The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a significant historical site in New Zealand, located on a headland adorned with lawns and vegetation. On 6 February 1840, the British Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the Maori people here, with over 500 chiefs eventually adding their signatures. The admission fee includes a guided tour and cultural performance as well as entrance to the Museum of Waitangi, Whare Runanga (carved meeting house), and historic Treaty House.
We last came over 10+ years ago and found so much has changed since. There is a entrance fee for Adults, but children are free. Show your NZ Driver's License to pay the NZ Resident price. The cultural show is totally worth it and we learnt a lot about the Maori culture. Lots of places to explore and the kids enjoyed answering the questions related to each place of interest
William Lin — Google review
Scenic ground, with beach access. We could not get tickets as the place was all sold out but enjoyed the cafe. Prefect picnic spot. We will definitely plan to visit it soon again and hopefully next time with tickets booked in advance.
Vidhu Rai — Google review
What a great day. We booked a guided tour and learnt a lot about the history of the Waitangi Treaty and the part the Maoris played in the war. The cultural experience in the meeting house was well worthwhile too. Hubby and I were really pleased we went.
Joy O'Connor — Google review
Wonderful morning at Waitangi! Had a guided tour and cultural experience which I would recommend. Museum was good and the grounds were stunning in the sunshine!
Sarah Massey — Google review
Incredible and humbling experience. We booked the Hāngi and Concert and felt honoured to have experienced the Māori culture, history, hospitality and generosity.
The museums are incredible and packed with must-know history.
The forests were beautiful too - lots of birds to see!
Val Villa — Google review
Excellent, cultural, and historical experience. Every aspect of this well organized tour was first class. Friendly guides helped educate us on Maori history and culture. It's definitely a lot to see and appreciate. Try and spend as much time as you can soaking up the beauty of this wonderful place.
David Sage — Google review
Amazing place! 30$ to get into the museum and surrounding area, it was totally worth it when I got to the Wharenui (Māori communal house) and experienced, for the first time, the traditional greetings and explanation of the culture. If you're in Paihia, definitely stop by. Amazing views of the ocean and a lot of history.
Michael Nagel — Google review
A must do for everyone. We took the 50 min conducted tour at no extra cost. Brilliant commentary... filled in many gaps in my knowledge of our country's history. We also took in the cultural experience... brilliant too.
max brooking — Google review
Amazingly beautiful! Both the venue and the culture. Staff are wonderfull and so knowledgeable! would highly recommend the guided tour!! The Maori experience was breath taking would highly recommend! You get an opportunity to take photos and ask questions at the end of the performance which was lovely !
Emily Clarke — Google review
Great new facilities and the views are beautiful.
A place deep in culture and knowledge.
There is something here for all ages to learn.
Our children enjoyed the short walk through the bush and the museum.
The retail shop also has great local books
E T — Google review
A great tour shows cultural welcome into there land in old ways and a lot of heart touching information. Views and place awesome how they have taken care of it. Must good
Jadwinder hundal — Google review
We took a tour of the treaty grounds. The guide was nice and very knowledgeable and the tour itself was very interesting. At the end we experienced Mauri welcoming ceremonial which was great and also funny.
Martin Hora — Google review
Explore the essential history of New Zealand's formation as a nation with a visit to this museum. The guided tour delves into the reconciliation between the local Māori and the British, culminating in the signing of the peace treaty. The well-maintained and captivating museum is a beautiful experience. For history enthusiasts, a pro tip: visit on your first day as tickets grant entry on the following day as well. Don't miss the 30-minute Māori cultural show, adding an extra layer of enrichment to your visit.
Nevil Sanghvi — Google review
Quite a unique experience! Our guide was fabulous in telling the story and the history. The cultural demonstration was amazing. The museum is so explicit and educational.
Debbie Edwards — Google review
Steeped in history and well presented for all. The Cultural Experience is well worth seeing. Take you time to walk around where you can. The tour is a great way to see the grounds and the guides are well knowledgeable and friendly.
Simon Calaz — Google review
We're from Australia so found the guided tour and cultural experience excellent.
Very interesting and entertaining with comprehensive knowledge shared by the guides.
The cafe closes early so if you want food don't leave it until after 2.30
Peter Buggy — Google review
A very beautiful and historic place.
The history surrounding it is well portrayed in the museums and the complementary guided tour. The culture of the Māori well portrayed in the complimentary cultural performance and the gift shop is of very high quality. Only the café was subpar.
Can highly recommend going.
Luna Sunal — Google review
A must see if visiting Paihia. It's an incredible place of historical significance as the treaty grounds really showcase that. The museum to recognise the Maori who fought in copious wars is beautifully done and really touching. The show is incredible and the views across the bay are surreal. Definitely worth the money and needs at least half a day to make the most of it all.
Holly Davies — Google review
Interesting visit and lots to see the Waitangi museum, Maori Arts, ceremonial Waka, Treatyhous, Te whare Runanga. It's value only 30$ for residents and 60$ for international tourists. Especially the 30 minute show at Te whare Runanga special traditional greetings and Maori songs gave me goosebumps.
A place that should not be missed when you come to this area. Come and feel.
Chloe Dang — Google review
Goosebumps.
So much to unpack here. You enter the treaty grounds and the tour does a great job in making you visualize the importance of this place in terms of New Zealad history with every step and every word.
An absolute must for history fans, and everyone in general.
We finished things off with a cultural ceremony performed by local Maori group which was emotional and a real privilege to see.
Great souvenirs too!
Khalid Al-Ghanim — Google review
If you’re looking for a some genuine Māori culture and history, then this is the spot for you.
The site is steeped in culture and history and, if you time it right you can get so see how Māori and modern cultures interact.
Gardens and site well worth the tour.
robert o'connor — Google review
So much history in this beautiful place. Be sure to get tickets for the cultural performance and the guided tour. The museums are all very well done. The history of the relationship between the British and the Maori people has always been complex and continues to be so today. As people from another country, we visited the Treaty Grounds at the very beginning of our trip as an introduction to this important part of New Zealand. We very much appreciated the depth of information available here.
Susan Smith — Google review
Spent half the day here with my wife. The museum, guided tour, cultural experience, and the grounds in general were all top notch.
There is so much history of the Maori people and the impact of colonisation to be found here. Highly recommend visiting. Make sure you set a few hours aside at a minimum as there is a lot to be found here.
Sean Bloomfield — Google review
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand offer a profound glimpse into the nation's history, serving as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped grounds, learn about Maori culture, and witness cultural performances, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to understand New Zealand's cultural and historical heritage.
ajleeblog — Google review
A great museum and historical destination to explore New Zealand’s unique Maori culture and heritage. The Grounds is beautiful built. A must visit if you’re around far north of New Zealand. The admission fee is $30 for New Zealander ( remember to bring your NZ ID, e.g driver’s license); $60 for international visitors, I think it is quite dear for overseas visitors.
Maggie Chen — Google review
You must visit here when travelling to New Zealand. It’s an emotional, educational cultural experience. It’s so beautiful and the grounds are extremely well kept. All the staff were lovely and the shop was well stocked and reasonably priced. The cafe was also very good- a lot of food, cakes and drinks again all at a good price.
Wren — Google review
If you're interested Maori history and culture, this is a great place to visit. I'd opt for the tour, but maybe hop out a little early for the hakka. Plan to spend at least 2 hours to a full day here. Enjoy the history, soak in the culture.
Trypp Adams — Google review
A very interesting place. The guided tour as well as the cultural performance were very informative, and our guide was a really funny guy.
In the evening I had a Hāngi, a mal cooked in a traditinal Maori way in in a hole in the ground. It was great.
The popular catamaran excursion takes visitors on a journey to see dolphins and visit a legendary rock formation, which is situated in a Maori freehold site. Paihia, hailed as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands region, offers shimmering safe beaches and ample historical landmarks. A mere 20-minute drive from Kerikeri Airport, this town provides tourists with opportunities to explore its many shops and restaurants located along the waterfront.
Brilliant trip! Fantastic, informative guides. Stunning scenery. An absolutely memorable experience! Great value for money. Highly recommend!
T — Google review
This was a fabulous half day excursion on the water to tour the Bay of Islands. Island Getaway Tours provided a perfectly planned day loaded with information, opportunities to see and appreciate the islands both on and off shore. The crew was friendly and entertaining and made careful to make sure everyone was enjoying the day. We were blessed with perfect weather as well. Highly highly recommend this company and excursion.
Ellen Gilmore — Google review
Great experience with the cruise, can see dolphins 🐬 and go through the hole
Oanh HoangKim — Google review
Beautiful experience!
Staff were lovely and had great humor!
We saw dolphins! The boat ride were smooth.
Overall a very pleasant experience with a stunning scenery!
Karoline Christensen — Google review
Had a nice cruise whilst on holiday in the area. Didn't get to see the hole in the rock, as the weather was pretty avg, so our tour changed to take in more of the islands in the bay. Very knowledgeable commentary throughout provided by the captain. Take sunscreen. If you're planning on sitting on the open roof, take a hat, and maybe a lightweight waterproof jacket, and not your best shoes... it can be a little bit splashy in choppy weather. Book in advance. Some drinks available to purchase on the boat, and an island stop, for an hour or so, where you can get some food and drinks.
Luc T — Google review
Cruise company were great and the views were amazing. Take sea legs or tripease if you have any tendency towards sea sickness as the waters can get quite choppy (especially if they go out to look for dolphins). Island stopover was good and if you have time to extend then I would highly recommend .
Wendy Chung — Google review
We did hole in the rock and dolphin cruise. I was fantastic. We left from Paihia then stopped briefly in Russell, from there we headed around some of the island where we encountered a small pod of young orcas (killer whales) which was amazing. We then headed to hole in the rock. On the way back we saw a few dolphins also. The captain and crew were really good with the commentary on the history and wildlife. Also a few good jokes thrown in there by the captain.
I know we got lucky with the whales and weather but would highly recommend
Nick Grantham — Google review
Fantastic experience - we saw lots of dolphins! Great day on the water and the crew were amazing.
Cashan Balfour — Google review
Couldn't have been any better. Guide and skipper was hilarious and knowledgeable. Weather was insane 💯. Dolphins such magical animals. And going through the Hole in Rock was icing on the cake!! Beautiful island stop-over.
Cherie Campion — Google review
Fabulous day out. Perfect weather- sunny and calm- great for the wild life. Spotted penguins, seals and so many dolphins positively showing off around the boat! So much fun to watch. Staff informative and enthusiastic.
Peter Kelly — Google review
We had a superb afternoon cruise. The scenery was spectacular & a group of large bottlenose dolphins - as well as a baby - swam under our bows. We loved the island walk as well. The captain's commentary & stories were great & the crew friendly.
Marg Baird — Google review
It was very nice ride, but unfortunately could not enter water as water was rough.
Rajesh Dalal — Google review
We really enjoyed the trip! The Crew was always super friendly and helpful, our Skipper told a lot of stories and legends with a great sense of humor. The day was fine to sail through the hole in the rock, but unfortunately we didnt see any dolfins or whales.
Cathy Weber — Google review
Can recommend.
We didn't see any dolphins but the experience was beautiful.
Laura Elliott — Google review
Worth every penny. We had a super time and spent extra time on the island and caught a later ferry back.
The Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is a popular destination for travelers exploring the region. With access to over 140 islands and plenty of small towns, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities or take a guided tour. The center offers helpful assistance with finding accommodations and provides recommendations for other great experiences in the area. While there may be occasional crowds due to cruise ships stopping by, the store itself is always neat and clean.
Great i site for Paihia. Got served by a nice, a little bit older, blonde lady. Very informative for everything we needed, and also provided great other recommendations. Store was very neat and clean. Made the mistake of coming when a cruise shop was making a stop- the surrounds of the centre was packed. Busses coming in and out frequently. Just something to keep in mind I suppose.
Isabella Madamba — Google review
Excellent. Very helpful both before my arrival and during visit. Thank ýou for all your help.
David Bond — Google review
Awesome great to see the staff here
Matangi Te Wake — Google review
Very helpful, lots of flyers and maps, can book pretty much everything, not to crowded, ver friendly staff
Bastian Gottwald — Google review
Extremely helpfuhelped us book a river cruise
Lots to see lovely staff
Thank you
shirley milner — Google review
I visited here for a few times, staff were always friendly and helpful. Two days ago on the 24th, I received remarkable service from this team.
I got a last minute appointment at kawakawa hospital, I showed up right before the bus departure time. Unfortunately, the system was closed for booking. Two ladies (with short hair) were extremely helpful, they went extra miles to help me; one lady called the bus company, did her best to book me in, another lady went to hold the bus for me. There was also a gentleman who jumped in and helped from time to time. I was beyond grateful. We need more people with empathy in the service industry like them, I truly appreciate it. ♥️
Ls Wong — Google review
I was looking for help on tuesday and wednesday and was met with a cold stare and piercing words, an attitude that i did not like. In saying this i came in on thursday and was treated with a big smile and a lovely tone, perfect service.
teva dickinson! — Google review
Not very Motorhome friendly. No water or dump station. Spent an hour or two there but won't bother stopping in this are again.
Ged — Google review
No help at all. I asked what there was to see & do on the west coast. The reply was 'the coast'. Well it's an island so yes I presume there's coast. I asked if they had a blow up map of the area, she pointed me to the $33 map of the whole of NZ. So I asked about towns and what ones were of interest. The reply was 'it's an hour & half drive to the other side of the island'. So again I pressed for information, what about dargaville? The reply was 'it has gardens like you like gardens'
The whole process was like pulling teeth. Don't bother, go to see Trudy at the explore desk or the information place on the corner, both lovely people!
Marie R — Google review
Nice helpful staff giving great advice and suggestions on what we might be interested in and also our budget.
Lots of options to choose from.
You can also purchase books magazines souvenirs.
This is the place i bought tickets for the ferry ride to Russell.
Opua Forest Paihia Lookout Track is a popular tourist attraction located in Bay of Islands, North Island. This hiking trail extends for 6 km along the ridge from Oromahoe Road & School Road near Paihia. It leads to a beautiful viewpoint, with stunning scenery that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
If you're feeling active and want a bit of excersise this walk/climb is a great opportunity to enjoy the native forest and be rewarded with a nice view of the Bay of Islands. Nice wide track, well maintained and easy enough for children to do. It is a climb up hill but not too bad. Well marked. At the junction near top take the right leg to the lookout. There are a couple of seats at the top to rest while enjoying the view Parking at the bottom for a few cars.
Dianne Miller — Google review
Nice bush walk. Leisurely 40 minute going up and 30 minutes down. Classic native bush.
Gary Lane — Google review
Nice little track to a nice viewpoint. There's a nice lady of road noise with some lovely birdsong.
Not a lot of parking at the head. There's also no restroom or water. It's short and quick so you should be fine hitting one of the many public options in town first
Jesse Card — Google review
Very Nice Track, Easy to climb. Beautiful lookout at the top!!!
Randhir Singh — Google review
Beautiful little hike through the forest with amazing views from the top.
Neeva Kaliebe — Google review
Beautiful and enchanting easy walk up to the lookout. Beautiful native bush, wildlife and a well maintained tracks. Just remember NO DOGS! Dogs kill kiwi!
Toby Ricketts — Google review
Fantastic walk in the forest with great views at the end. Track was superb. A highlight of my visit here. I just loved the wildness of it.
David Tee — Google review
Lovely, tranquil and well-kept trail. Easy to walk on track. It was an uphill climb though, so do be prepared! The view is amazing ❤
Parking is at an awkard junction, but thankful for friendly locals.
Loh Jiahui — Google review
We had a superb little walk from the creek level further up the hill on to the look out. We saw some friendly little warblers, fantails and a big well fed looking pigeon. Also native parakeets could be heard. Lots of stick insects and none of the invasive paper wasps. This piece of bush looks well maintained with discreet traps/bait stations, very little obvious pest species. We will be back for the other walks as time allows.
Alan Hendy — Google review
2.8 km return track takes you 40 min approximately. Small car park at the beginning of track.
Michal Kanuch — Google review
Track is okay and in the nature with shades. However, the view lookout is small with a lot of trees. Very disappointing
St Pauls Anglican Church is a historic religious site located in central Paihia. This old stone church has a long and interesting history, with notable figures such as Agnes Busby buried on its grounds. The church features a simple yet beautiful design, including a massive Cruck-timbered ceiling. Visitors will appreciate the calm and peaceful atmosphere of this Godly space.
A one step in this church really made my mind in peace! It was a beautiful church!
Saurabh Sharma — Google review
St. Paul's Anglican Church in Paihia is a serene haven that encapsulates tranquility. Nestled against the backdrop of Paihia's natural beauty, the church emanates an aura of peace. Its massive walls of stone stand as a testament to architectural grandeur, showcasing a blend of strength and beauty. Upon entering, the magnificence of the interior unfolds, seamlessly marrying tradition with a sense of awe. The ethereal atmosphere within, accentuated by intricate detailing and stained glass, elevates the spiritual experience. St. Paul's invites visitors into a sanctuary where history and spirituality converge. Whether seeking solace or marveling at the architectural splendor, this church is a worth-visit, offering a timeless retreat that transcends the boundaries of time and place.
Rick Shen — Google review
Old church with long history. Among the graves here lies Agnes Busby, wife of James Busby, who was New Zealand's first jurist; effectively the the first lawman of NZ! Also credited as the father of Australian wine, having bought the first stock of French and Spanish vines to AUS.
Tony Hancy — Google review
Beautiful rare example of stone constructed church. Simple styled massive Cruck timbered ceiling . Calm and peaceful atmosphere in God's house.
Richard Langdale — Google review
The stonework is still solid and the steeple newish but the attractions are graves of the 1820's missionaries and their descendants-- laid out unconventionally. Two doors down is the their "shipyard," too.
John Sweeney — Google review
No priest tonight, 80% of goers are out of town visitors, nonetheless the atmosphere was good. Beautiful looking building, well maintained.
盛治 — Google review
Beautiful church from outside
Kim OanhHoang — Google review
An interesting place. Looks spooky at night with a cold medievil look among the gravestones
The Opua to Paihia Walkway is a stunning coastal walk that takes you from central Paihia through to Opua. It offers a variety of landscapes including coastal views, native forest, and mangrove boardwalks. The walk can be challenging during high tide, so it's important to take note of tide changes. The track also includes walking alongside roads and two ferry rides. Despite some detours and closures, the walk provides beautiful sea views and is dog-friendly on lead.
This one of my favorite coastal walk from all NZ. It is a long walkway that we did in 2 parts as the boardwalk is closed half way (but possible to do at once through walking along the road). It is dog-friendly on lead and you basically enjoy the sea views 95% of the time. Check the tides anyway. Highly recommended for anyone willing to enjoy a soothing nature walk and beautiful views of the bay of islands!
Gilliane Jean Marie — Google review
The section at the start in Opua, between Cresswell Street and Beechey Street, is closed due to rockfalls. However, at low tide it's possible to scramble over the rocks and seaweed to get around the foot of the cliff. The views are good. This is a photo of the ferries passing each other.
John Lawson — Google review
This is a big walk but definitely worth it. The times given on the boiwalkways leaflet/website are quite accurate. A great variety: coastal views, cool native forest and mangrove boardwalks. There is some walking beside/near roads but I can't really comment on that because I cycled that part. And of course, two ferry rides. In two places there are signs talking about slips and making a detour, but the track is open and everyone clearly ignores the signs!
Scott Stocker — Google review
A highly recommended walk. Took us about 2 and a half hours. The track is undulating in parts. Stunning scenery with the track taking you through bush, beach and mangrove boardwalks. We then took the ferry to Russell and had a look around there. Then a $25 taxi ride to Okiato and $1 to get back to Opua on the car ferry.
Nico Doodeman — Google review
Lovely easy walk along the coastline.
Michele J — Google review
Stunning walk. A little narrow for younger kids
Isaac Young — Google review
Beautiful walk and the tranquil
E T — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very nice hike
(Original)
Sehr schöne Wanderung