Waitangi Treaty Grounds Day Pass

Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.

The Treaty Grounds feature the newly opened Museum of Waitangi, historic Treaty House, the magnificently carved meeting house and the world's largest ceremonial war canoe. Enjoy strolling through one of New Zealand's great beauty spots with its panoramic views of the Bay of Islands.

The Treaty House was originally known as "the Residency". It is where James Busby conducted much of his official business as the British government's representative in New Zealand from 1833 to 1840. It was also home for James and his wife Agnes and their six children.

Te Whare Runanga (the House of Assembly) is a carved meeting house in traditional form but is a unique expression of its purpose. It stands facing the Treaty House, the two buildings together symbolising the partnership agreed between Maori and the British Crown, on which today's Aotearoa New Zealand is founded.

The waka house near Te Ana o Maikuku Hobson Beach shelters the iwi Ngapuhi's ceremonial war canoe Ngatokimatawhaorua, the world's largest. The 35-metre-long canoe needs a minimum of 76 paddlers to handle it safely on the water. It weighs 6 tonnes when dry and 12 tonnes when saturated.

The Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu opened on 7 February 2016. The two storey museum houses a permanent exhibition Ko Waitangi Tenei on the ground floor and changing exhibitions, along with an education centre on the first floor.

The flagstaff marks the spot where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on 6 February 1840. It was erected by the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1934 and replaced in 1946. The mast is 34 metres high. The navy is still responsible for its maintenance.

You can visit the Whare Waka Cafe which offers a wide selection of cabinet and a la carte food. Choose from the cosy ambience indoors or the outdoor area surrounded by ferns and native trees and overlooking the waka taua (ceremonial war canoe) and the Pacific Ocean.

There is also a free shuttle service from the Treaty Grounds into Paihia if you want to look around town before going back to the ship.

• A 30 minute cultural performance.Performances take place at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
• Entry to the state-of-the-art Museum of Waitangi
• Full access to New Zealand's most important historic site, featuring iconic buildings, breathtaking examples of Maori architecture, the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and bush walks with spectacular views over the Bay of Islands.
• Waitangi: Birthplace of a Nation introductory film (22 minutes)

• Any meals, but there is a cafe on site open from 9am to 3 pm daily.
• Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, but it is just a 10 minute walk from the pier where your ships tenders will drop you, so no transport is required.

• Children 18 years and younger enter free of charge
• We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your Guided Tour or Cultural Performance

• Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
• On 6 February each year (Waitangi Day), Waitangi Treaty Grounds closes its buildings for the day and the grounds become the location of a free festival for the public to enjoy.

• Cultural Performance schedule1 February to 24 December: 11am, 1pm and 3pm. 26 December to 31 January: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm
• Guided Tour schedule1 February to 24 December: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 3.30pm. From 26 December to 31 January: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm