Bay of Islands ATTRACTIONS See all
Waitangi
The little town of Waitangi looms large in New Zealand’s national psyche. It was here in 1840 that the famous Treaty of Waitangi was signed by local Maori chiefs and representatives of Queen Victoria.
The Waitangi Treaty recognized Maori ownership of the land and promised equality as British subjects. However, the exact wording of the treaty has been disputed over the years and the annual Waitangi Day commemorations attract a mixed bag of celebration and protest.
All this history and more is explained at the Waitangi National Reserve, including audiovisual displays at the nearby visitor information center and colonial-style Treaty House, which features a facsimile of the treaty.
A must on every visitor to New Zealand’s list, the reserve hosts displays of singing and dancing, including the fearsome haka war dance. There are Maori guided tours of the nearby meeting house, garden tours and sound light shows.
Practical Info
Tours & Tickets
Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour
Get bird’s-eye views of Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on a Bay of Islands scenic helicopter tour from Paihia. Take in the stunning scenery of the main ... Read more
Location:
Paihia, New Zealand
Duration: Varies
Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Scenic Helicopter Tour Including Hole in the Rock
When your cruise ship docks in Bay of Islands, get bird’s-eye views of Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on this Bay of Islands scenic helicopter tour from ... Read more
Location:
Paihia, New Zealand
Duration: 20 minutes (approx.)
