🤝 Waitangi Treaty Grounds

About This Sacred Site

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands are the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. This founding document of New Zealand is treated as sacred by Māori and holds national significance for all New Zealanders. The grounds include the Treaty House, a large Māori meeting house (whare rūnanga) with carvings representing all Māori tribes, and the world's largest ceremonial war canoe (waka taua), launched annually on Waitangi Day.

Key Facts

• •The Treaty of Waitangi, signed here on February 6, 1840, is New Zealand's founding document
• •The Māori meeting house (whare rūnanga) contains carvings representing all iwi (tribes) of New Zealand
• •The world's largest ceremonial war canoe (waka taua), Ngātokimatawhaorua, is launched here on Waitangi Day
• •February 6 is celebrated as Waitangi Day, New Zealand's national day
• •The grounds are managed jointly by Māori and the Crown as a place of ongoing reconciliation

Location

Coordinates: -35.2710, 174.0844