The Best Way to Visit – Day Trip to Waitangi, New Zealand

After celebrating Waitangi Day, I’d like to remember my day trip to Waitangi, where I took a walking tour of this special place for all New Zealanders. In addition to learning all about New Zealand’s early history, you’ll learn about our national day.

I walked less than 2km from Paihia to start my day trip to Waitangi. It was here that I was going to do the guided tour. However, as I had a wait of under half an hour, I saw the 22-minute film “The Birthplace of a Nation” first. Meeting the group, we were all given earpieces for the tour, which were perfect. The earpieces are invaluable. This was the first place I had them, and it’s ideal if you’re in a large group, as you can hear what’s being said even from the back of the group. After that, we started the tour by walking to the Ceremonial Waka.

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How I spent my Day Trip to Waitangi

The Guided Tour

At the Waka, we learn how Ngatokimatawharua became the world’s largest waka in 1940. One hundred years after the Treaty was signed, The Waka was launched. It had taken 3 years to complete, is 35 meters long, and takes 76 paddlers to manoeuvre it on water. In 1974, the Queen, on her visit to Waitangi, designated it “Her Majesty’s Ship”, after her voyage on him. This now makes the Waka part of the Royal Navy.

Next, we head up the hill, and as it’s a warm day, we all sit under a tree to hear more of the commentary. Under this shady tree, we learn about where the Treaty was signed on 6 February 1840 and the aftermath of the signing. From this point, you also have great views across the Bay.

It’s a quick look at the Treaty House, which we can explore after the Cultural Performance. Across from the Treaty House is the Meeting House, which was opened on 6 February 1940. As it faces the Treaty House, it symbolises the partnership between Maori and the British Crown. Inside the Meeting House, you’ll see carvings on the wall. These depict the many carving styles of the iwi, or tribes, of the country. Once inside, we then enjoyed a cultural performance performed by the local group, which was fantastic.

Hours

Guided Tour schedule (50 mins)

1 April to 24 December: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3:30 pm
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26 December to 31 January: 10 am, 10:30 am, 11 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm

1 February – 4 March: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3:30 pm

5 March – 31 March: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3:30 pm

All tours include a personal audio device, allowing you to clearly follow the stories as they are told by the guide.

The Cafe is open 9 am – 4 pm every day.

Prices

• International Adults $70
• Domestic Adults $35
• 13-17 years International $35
• 13-17 years Domestic $17.50
• Children up to 12 years FREE

The Experience Pass is valid for two consecutive days and includes:

• Full access to New Zealand’s most important historic site, including all heritage buildings and the world’s largest war canoe
• Entry to Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha museum
• Informative guided tour around Waitangi Treaty Grounds (50 minutes)
• Te Whare Rūnanga tour
• Live demonstrations in our Carving Studio
• Large gift shop
• Onsite café

After The Tour

After the performance, you are free to wander the grounds. You may also want to get a refreshment at the Whare Waka Café. At the end of your day trip to Waitangi, you can enjoy looking around the extensive museum, Te Kōngahu – Museum of Waitangi. Information boards, exhibitions, treasures and interactive displays are here to educate you inside the museum.

Certainly, you can easily spend 3-4 hours in the museum, exploring and learning. It is full of history about the people of New Zealand, not only from a couple of hundred years ago but also how Waitangi Day has impacted New Zealanders up until today.

At the end of your day trip to Waitangi, it’s a pleasant walk back to Paihia along the foreshore. In Paihia, you can enjoy the many restaurants which suit any budget and taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a day trip to Waitangi is a must-see when you’re in Paihia. There, you will learn all about New Zealand’s history.

After your day trip in Waitangi, why not check out how to spend your time in Paihia by checking out my other blogs, A Day on the Bay, A Day in Kerikeri, or Cape Reinga, for more things to do while you’re in the area. For the rest of the North Island places, click here.

Where I Stayed

I stayed in the Paihia YHA, Bay of Island Lodge, close to everything in Paihia.

This sustainable youth hostel has solar power, private or dorm rooms, and a large courtyard with picnic tables where you can swap stories with your fellow travellers at the end of the day.

It’s a short walk to the shops in Paihia, cruises, or the beach, and Waitangi is only three and a half km away.

Facilities

• Solar Powered
• Free Wifi
• Free Onsite Car Parking
• Communal Kitchen (with food storage area), Dining and Lounge Rooms
• Recycling Stations
• Herb Garden
• Outdoor area with BBQ
• Games and Book Exchange
• Laundry Facilities
• Wheelchair Accessible
• 24-Hour Guest Access and After-hours Check-in on Request
• Hair Dryers
• Towel Hire
• Hot Water Bottles
• Travel and Activity Bookings

I have stayed here twice now and would highly recommend it. You feel as though you have a home away from home.

How To Get Here

The Bay of Islands Lodge is at 11 MacMurray Road, Paihia.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.

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