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Paihia Culture & history

Our most recommended Paihia Culture & history

Waitangi Treaty Grounds 2-Day Pass

1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds 2-Day Pass

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s premier historic site, with a 2-day pass. Valid for two consecutive days, your pass includes an informative 50-minute guided tour, introductory film, and 30-minute cultural performance. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where New Zealand’s most significant document was signed. Watch an introductory film about the Treaty of Waitangi. Embark on a 50-minute tour with a local guide, with headsets provided so that you can hear clearly. Stroll through the beautiful grounds and admire panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. See the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, and stand in the spot where the treaty was signed. Visit the Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu to see permanent and changing exhibits, and explore the educational center. Make use of multimedia and visual displays as you admire taonga (treasures). Enjoy a 30-minute cultural performance at the magnificently carved meeting house. Te Pitowhenua, a performing arts group, will invite you inside with a traditional Maori powhiri (welcome). Poi twirling, Maori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies, and a traditional haka dance will leave you spellbound.

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What people are saying about Paihia

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 124 reviews

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds experience was incredible. Not knowing any real New Zealand history it was an eye opener to how the treaty was created and how its intention to share all responsibilities between the British Empire and the Mauri nations was initially good for all in the Mauri translation but it left out a number issues that the empire added in their own English version. Gathering 500 chiefs for the treaty signing was an epic event. The stories told by our guide were entertaining and very informative. The Mauri museum was one of the best I have visited as I read every single plaque to absorb the significance of their culture and how they were short changed in the new nation of New Zealand. The war museum was also incredible on its own. We loved the Restaurant and its food choices. The nature park and its story of how it came be was also a wonderful experience. Overall, my wife and I loved every bit of it and came away with a whole new respect for everyone in New Zealand.

The cultural experience was great. Learned more about the Maori heritage and the show was magical. Gave me goosebumps The presenters and the performers were so amazing. The cafe food was good and reasonably priced. In fact, every member of staff were brilliant at their job. Second visit and I will certainly take any future visitors to me along to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

An incredible experience, informative tour and it was great learning more about our history where it actually unfolded.

Great way to spend an afternoon. Amazing source of information. The ceremony performance was worth every cent.

An informative experience telling us about Maori culture