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Things to do in Waitangi

Our most recommended things to do in Waitangi

Waitangi Treaty Grounds 2-Day Pass

1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds 2-Day Pass

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s premier historic site, with a 2-day pass. Valid for two consecutive days, your pass includes an informative 50-minute guided tour, introductory film, and 30-minute cultural performance. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where New Zealand’s most significant document was signed. Watch an introductory film about the Treaty of Waitangi. Embark on a 50-minute tour with a local guide, with headsets provided so that you can hear clearly. Stroll through the beautiful grounds and admire panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. See the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, and stand in the spot where the treaty was signed. Visit the Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu to see permanent and changing exhibits, and explore the educational center. Make use of multimedia and visual displays as you admire taonga (treasures). Enjoy a 30-minute cultural performance at the magnificently carved meeting house. Te Pitowhenua, a performing arts group, will invite you inside with a traditional Maori powhiri (welcome). Poi twirling, Maori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies, and a traditional haka dance will leave you spellbound.

Paihia: Bay of Islands Trike Tour Experience

2. Paihia: Bay of Islands Trike Tour Experience

On the Scenic Tour, you'll climb aboard your trike, buckle up, and settle in for one of the most exciting tours of your life. Venture out onto the open road, take a short burst out to the half moon-shaped Haruru Falls, and then continue back to Waitangi Lookout. Capture the breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands on your camera, plus get your picture taken behind the handlebars of the big beast.  The Thriller Tour includes an action-packed, 30-minute tour on the V2 Chek Trike. Zip off to the picturesque Opua and return with photos and even more adrenaline-pumping thrills as you cruise down this awesome, winding coastal road. The Combo Tour includes a one-hour tour around the scenic Bay of Islands. Visit the beautiful Haruru Falls before continuing to Waitangi Lookout for breathtaking views. Wind your way through the hills of the idyllic Opua before a thrilling ride back to Paihia. This option works as combination of the first two and is the best choice for adrenaline-seekers.

Bay of Islands incl Russell Trike Tour (min 2 per trike)

3. Bay of Islands incl Russell Trike Tour (min 2 per trike)

Take an exhilarating private tour departing from Paihia and explore the Bay of Islands and the historic town of Russell. Feel the wind in your hair as you travel by trike with a personal guide and witness some of the most stunning views and natural sites the area has to offer. Leave Paihia behind aboard your trike and head to Haruru Falls for a visual of the half-moon-shaped waterfalls. Continue on to Waitangi Lookout for a 360-degree panoramic view of the Bay, all the way to Russell. Wind your way through native bush onto Opua and catch the car ferry across to Okiato. Reach Russell, the first settlement in New Zealand, pass the oldest church in the country and notice its signature musket holes. Experience the breathtaking views from Russell Lookout and learn about local history. Wander around the charming town or dine at your own leisure. Finish your tour by staying in Russell and returning via passenger ferry by yourself or hop back aboard your trike and travel back to Paihia with your guide.

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What people are saying about Waitangi

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 129 reviews

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds experience was incredible. Not knowing any real New Zealand history it was an eye opener to how the treaty was created and how its intention to share all responsibilities between the British Empire and the Mauri nations was initially good for all in the Mauri translation but it left out a number issues that the empire added in their own English version. Gathering 500 chiefs for the treaty signing was an epic event. The stories told by our guide were entertaining and very informative. The Mauri museum was one of the best I have visited as I read every single plaque to absorb the significance of their culture and how they were short changed in the new nation of New Zealand. The war museum was also incredible on its own. We loved the Restaurant and its food choices. The nature park and its story of how it came be was also a wonderful experience. Overall, my wife and I loved every bit of it and came away with a whole new respect for everyone in New Zealand.

A great ride feeling the power of acceleration and speed. Enjoyed it so much, we will definitely go on a ride again when we visit Paihia. Highly recommended and tick the bucket list.

Great way to spend an afternoon. Amazing source of information. The ceremony performance was worth every cent.

Heaps of fun & wild. Had a smile plastered on our face the whole time.

It was the most thrilling ride I’ve ever had in my life