waitangi treaty grounds

I took one of the guided tours and it was well worth it.Its been years years since I've been to Waitangi and it was good to go back and re-learn the history.It's a lovely spot and well worth a visit.

The concert and hungi is worth it! The grounds are stunning, do not forget your camera. The history is interesting and educational.

If you visit New Zealand, or indeed a resident you should come here. A sense of the history of modern New Zealand, the relationship between it's peoples can be better understood here. Take the guided tour or self guide. Do not miss the cultural show, it's explanation of custom and practice was excellent. The performers were entertaining, their interaction with a group of school children was wonderful. Don't miss it.

A very short introduction of the NZ history given by a guide is not really worth the price one pays for this. I would not recommend taking the tour here and rather go for other maori experiences in the country. The information given in the tour is rather scarce and it seems to be focusing more on a very large canoe with very little historic interest than on the actual treaty. Little information is given on the content of the treaty.

We had general admission and saw the show rather than the tour. The times of the tour and the show overlap so to do both you'd need to be there a good few hours. The experience starts with a video which is a good way of learning the background.The place is very well kept and the information boards are clean, educational and easy to find. We saw the show which I found to be a lot of fun and the team seemed really passionate about what they do. There are Kiwis. But sadly we didn't see one.

This land is like Plymouth Rock for the New American settlers.It is where life began as the Maori people sailed in their long boats from Hawaiki (not Hawaii), actually Polynesia. Some 600 plus years later white man arrived in their tall masted Barq's and interacted with this native people. Conflicts ensued and following struggles an agreement would be signed here at Waitangi outlining mutual agreements on land rights and many other issues. Recently, the 175 Anniversary took place here with many Maori ceremonies featuring longboats on the bay. Now a portal for kayakers, a golf course and delightful grounds allow one to enjoy many experiences here. Across the bridge coming back to Paihia there is a foot path that leads through surreal mangrove forests and for the fit and patient ones a trek to the falls 1 1/2 hrs away.

Loved the history and the buzz, the stalls at the markets were interesting however I did witness someone get mugged so keep hold of your belongings!

If you don't know much about New Zealand history (I didn't), the treaty grounds provided a great explanation.

This is wonderful. It gives you all the information about the beginning of New Zealand and how it has developed to what it is today. A must if you are in or around the Bay of Islands area.

This is a beautiful part of the world and with its museum and cultural displays is a great place to spend a few hours. It's a fascinating trip back in time to the signing of the Waitangi Treaty without the commercialism of many tourist attractions. You can take a tour or like us, or make your own way around. Well worth the entry fee.

What an amazing place on a day where the sea was sparkling. Everything resplendent ! The calibre of the tour guide was top notch. Informative , proud , humorous when appropriate. Coming from the world view and perspective of a proud Maori person . This was engaging and personally moving. The cultural section was top notch as well. not "a show" as seen in other places ... A heartfelt sharing of culture and practice ... Just amazing. Felt uplifted that this Maori culture is proud to share their past as well as their now with pakeha and tourists . Indeed not a trite overview but an engaging cultural experience. Expensive but not to be missed . Wow !

This was a truly inspirational experience. You cannot begin to understand the social tapestry that is modern day New Zealand until you take in its historical roots. Informative and rewarding in every aspect, you leave with sense of understanding and deep respect for those who went before us. Controversial? Yes, historians and politicians will debate it forever but nonetheless, it is the foundation stone of this amazing country.Our tour guide was outstanding. Helpful, informative and with a warm charisma. Nothing was too much trouble and he handled, sometimes difficult questions, with great tact and diplomacy. The property has been beautifully restored and is a credit to the Trust responsible. A visit to Waitangi is the thread that completes the tapestry . Great value,and a truly memorable experience. Congratulations, and thanks, to all concerned.

Well worth visitng even with the entry fee. New Zealander must show proof of status to get cheaper entry. I live in Australia so had to go back and get my passport. Very historic and a vey well maintained site. We took a picnic to have on the lawn.

As part of our entrance fee we received a guided tour of Waitangi. This was a bit shorter than anticipated but gave an brief overview of the history of the Treaty of Waitangi and while a bit brief for us, the overseas people in our group seemed to appreciate it. The tour guide, Denise, was excellent and had a great sense of humour. The grounds are beautiful and abound with native birds. View is fabulous. Well worth a visit.

Very fun, the guider tour and cultural experiences definately made it a memorable visit! Super friendly staff and a great welcome to nz!