Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand's most important historic site. Here, on February 6th, 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. The Treaty Grounds overlook the Bay of Islands, and are part of the 506 hectare (1000 acre) Waitangi National Trust estate which was gifted to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932.

The Meeting House, Te Whare Runanga, was opened in 1940 and symbolised Maori involvement in the signing of the Treaty and in the life of the nation. It looks like a typical meeting house, but is unique in that it was planned to be shared by all Maori tribes. The figure at the apex of the gable is the explorer Kupe.

The Ceremonial War Canoe, or waka, is 35.7 metres (117 feet) long. It is named Ngatokimatawhaorua, after the voyaging waka in which Kupe visited Aotearoa (New Zealand). It needs a minimum of 76 paddlers, and was launched as part of the Centenary Celebrations in 1940.

Picture Gallery 84 Images over 6 pages. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

The Treaty House at Waitangi © Eleanor Walton The Treaty House was originally constructed in 1833-1834 as a family dwelling for James Busby (1801-1871). It is one of the most symbolically important buildings in New Zealand, being closely associated with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand's founding document.