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Waitangi Must-Do's
Te Tii Waitangi Marae Connected to Paihia via the onelane Waitangi Bridge, a sandy strip of beach sits just before the crossing and Te Tii Waitangi Marae is located on the foreshore of Tii Bay, looking straight across the water towards Russell.
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Waitangi Mountain Bike Park A fun-for-all playground with views as punchy as the downhill descents. Located 5km north of Paihia, there are almost 50km of varying trails with grades ranging from 2 to 5. There’s also a café, bike rental and shuttle service.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Māori carving at Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi © Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Treaty House - This is where the original manuscript was drawn up. Visitors to the house ascend the same hill that 40 Māori chiefs climbed to sign the treaty.
Treaty Ground Flagstaff - The commanding flagstaff, marking one of Aotearoa’s most significant events, stands before exceptional bay views.
Waka - You simply can’t miss this enormous and intricately carved 35m-long ceremonial war canoe.
Cultural Performance - As part of your visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds you’ll be invited to partake in a cultural performance, opening with a traditional welcome standing before the marae and stepping inside for authentic kapa haka.
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi - A modern, architecturally designed museum with interactive displays, taonga and a small theatre that condenses key moments of Aotearoa’s history into short films.
Te Rau Aroha Museum - Detailing Māori commitment to the armed forces via innovative displays and poignant exhibits, this state-of-theart museum will induce full-body chills.
The Carving Studio - Chat with one of the seriously-talented master carvers. Appreciate how Māori storytelling is expressed through these intricate designs and if you’re left wanting more, ask about carving workshops that are run periodically throughout the year.
