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Waitangi
Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands is Waitangi where, on February 6th 1840,
New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi,
was first signed between Maori Chiefs and the British Crown.
After five years as Governor General of New Zealand and only one visit to Waitangi,
Lord and Lady Bledisloe, recognising the historic significance of this area, purchased
and gave the 506 hectare (1000 acre) estate to the nation. It was on the 10th May 1932
that Lord Bledisloe wrote to the then Prime Minister George Forbes informing him of the gift.
I desire formally, on behalf of Her Excellency and myself, to present, through you, to the nation,
New Zealand’s most historic spot "Waitangi" together with 1000 acres of land belonging to the estate of
which it forms part and which we have recently purchased with this object.
On October 28th 1932 Sir Apirana Ngata, after discussions with Tau Henare, drew the attention of the
House of Representatives to the approaching centenary of the signing of the Treaty. He suggested that a
carved meeting house be built at Waitangi by Maori, led by Ngapuhi (the people of the north) to
commemorate Lord Bledisloe’s generous gift.
The Whare Runanga (meeting house) named Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the restored Treaty House (former home
of James Busby, the first British Resident) were presented to the nation on Waitangi Day, February 6th 1940.
At the same time the ceremonial waka taua (war canoe) Ngatokimatawhaorua was launched.
The Treaty Grounds are part of the Waitangi National Trust estate which is administered by a Trust Board,
chaired by the Governor General and made up of descendents and representatives of people directly connected
with this historic site.
See a complete list of Waitangi activities. This week's featured activities in Waitangi are: Featured Activities |
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Kayaking - Paihia - Starting from NZ $85.00 per person
We offer Boutique guided Sea Kayaking Tours based in Paihia, Northland. Our selection of amazing tours offer something for everyone. Kayak tours start from a fun day tour to custom planned multi day trips in the upper North Island of NZ.
If you want a real adventure we also hire kayaks for multi day rentals to the outer Islands and also have a Rental Base located at Otehei Bay with top of the range Sit on Top Kayaks & Paddleboards, perfect for all ages & abilities. More... |
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Mountain Bike Rental - Paihia - Starting from NZ $79 per person
Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals services both the WAITANGI MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK and the TWIN COAST CYCLE RAIL TRAIL with Brand New, High Quality Full Suspension Mountain Bikes and Shuttle Services along the trails for both you and your bike.
We can cater for large groups, smaller groups, teambuilding events and can personalise your biking adventure in Northland including accomodation packages.
Please get in touch with any questions at all, only too happy to... More... |
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Ports of Call Tour - Paihia - Starting from $135.00 per person
Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Jeep Wrangler with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 4.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, subtropical rain forests and rural farming areas away from the crowds. You can also extend your tour with 1-hour options of a winery lunch or a visit to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos,... More... |
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Ports of Call Tour - Paihia - Starting from $207.00 per person
Add a special experience to your cruising holiday and see the Bay of Islands your way on this full-day, private sightseeing shore excursion tour of the region’s major attractions and highlights. You will learn a lot about the Bay, its surroundings and the whole of New Zealand and also delight in the opportunity to enjoy a Rainbow Falls river walk.
Your personalized tour includes private pickups from either the port, or Paihia i-SITE! More... |
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Multi-day Tour - Paihia - Starting from $1325.00 per person
Soak up some major must-do North Island highlights on this 4-day tour. With an arrival transfer from Auckland Airport and 3-nights accommodation in Auckland included, you are sure to be comfortable and worry free. Tick off all the North Island highlights with visits to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and more! More... |
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Tour Bay of Islands
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Tour Bay of Islands Area
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 Allure Lodge - Apartment, Cottage, Holiday Home. Nestled in 3/4 acres of bush-clad hillside, Allure Lodge commands spectacular views over the waterfront, Waitangi &...
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Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Historic Kerikeri Tour - Private Tour - Paihia. Starting from $150.00 per person. 
