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Waitangi Treaty House

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superpurd
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5 out of 5
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History and Beauty, All in a Day's Wander

  • May 20, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
History and Beauty, All in a Day's Wander

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a place of very important historical relevance for New Zealand.

Despite the stunning beauty of the location - on the grassy hills following the coast off Paihia in the Bay of Islands (an area in the far north of the North Island of New Zealand) this is a place that has much history, and is of great importance in the movements that made New Zealand what it is today.

This is the spot where, in 1840 the Waitangi Treaty was signed between the Maoris of New Zealand and the British crown. In many ways this is considered the birthplace of the nation of New Zealand.

I won't go too much into all the historical details of the area - as this is part of the experience in visiting the site. But it is a wonderful place to start out for anyone who is hoping to spend some time in the country - to get a real feel for how it started and how it came to be in the place it is now.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are now a National Trust - a rather interesting arrangement where it is not government funded, but rather was gifted by Lord Bledsoe in a Deed of Trust that laid out what he hoped to share with the people of New Zealand by making the area available to them.

In which case, it is something certainly worth taking advantage of on your visit.

There is a paid tour which you can take (free to New Zealand residents) which lasts up to two days and costs $20 - this gives you extensive access to the historic areas, the events and tours that the area offers.

However, if you are just passing through and not got an extra $20 to spend, then feel free to wander along the paths and grounds and coastal areas free of charge.

I highly recommend staying at the Copthorne Hotel Resort, which sits right on the edge of the Waitangi Treaty grounds and is only a few moments light stroll along the beach to see some of the historical areas for yourself.

Follow the coastal path (the area you can wander for free is clearly marked) and enjoy breathtaking scenes out to sea and along the coast as well as some of the grounds themselves.

You pass (for wonderful photo opportunities) the Maori meeting house which also is perched near the coast. As well as many signposting of historical significance.

There are also a number of tours and events that take place here which are priced individually (averaging about $12NZ per adult) which are very interesting. And if you happen to arrive around Waitangi Day (Feb 6) then you are in for an extra special treat, with loads of events taking place.

This is something I would highly recommend you taking a few moments to do if you are anywhere near the area. Even if it is only to stroll along the path and take a moment as the sea air hits you and the waves break along the rocky coast to feel the profoundness of the area you stand in, and all that it has affected over the years.

From journal The Beguiling Beauty of the Bay of Islands...

Waitanga Treaty House

  • August 19, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by superpurd from Williams Lake, British Columbia
The estate is over 1200 acres and seems to be like the Vatican in Rome as it is controlled by the Maori people. The treaty house is the building where the federation of Maori chiefs signed their treaty with the British government. Included on the site is a large war canoe that would hold 100 warriors and another about 1/2 that size. Apparently it is put in the water on Fe. 6th of each year in an annual ceremony. The treaty house was the former residence of governor James Busby and was used for the formal signing. There were large reproductions of the treaty written in both Maori and English. There is still some questions being argued about the treaty today. Apparently, it didn't say the same thing in Maori as it did in English. There is also a large Maori meeting house on the grounds. The grounds are immaculately and beautifully maintained. Large flower gardens surround the treaty house. There is a film offered in the entry building to inform you of the history of the place. Well worth an hour or two of your time. Cost was $9 NZ per person.

From journal Three days in the Northland

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