Waitangi Day 2026

Each year on February 6, New Zealand marks Waitangi Day, the country’s national day. The date commemorates the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) in 1840, the founding document that shaped the nation’s history. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty was first signed, becomes the centre of national commemorations with a free public festival that draws thousands of visitors. For those in the Bay of Islands during early February, attending the Waitangi Day Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness New Zealand’s most significant historical and cultural occasion.

What Happens on the Day

The festival begins at 5am with a dawn service in Te Whare Rūnanga, the carved meeting house on the Treaty Grounds. This quiet, reflective ceremony draws those wanting to mark the day’s significance in a traditional way. As the sun rises, the atmosphere gradually shifts as more visitors arrive and the festival comes to life across the grounds.

Throughout the day, multiple performance stages host cultural performances, live music, and entertainment. Stages are set up on the Upper Treaty Grounds, at Te Korowai ō Maikuku, and on the sports field opposite the main grounds, ensuring there’s always something happening. Over 150 market stalls fill the site, offering everything from traditional Māori art and crafts to contemporary clothing and a wide range of food options representing New Zealand’s diverse communities.

Activities and Entertainment Throughout the Festival

The Waitangi Day Festival offers something for everyone, with activities spanning the entire Treaty Grounds from early morning until late afternoon.

Cultural Performances

Multiple stages feature continuous entertainment throughout the day. Expect to see traditional kapa haka performances with powerful haka, graceful poi, and moving waiata (songs). Contemporary Māori and Pacific Island performers blend traditional and modern styles, showcasing the living, evolving nature of indigenous culture. Local iwi groups, schools, and community organizations take turns on the stages, each bringing their own unique style and stories.

Market Stalls

The 150+ market stalls create a vibrant marketplace atmosphere. Traditional Māori artisans display intricate bone and jade carvings, woven flax works, and contemporary Māori art. You’ll find stalls selling traditional kai (food) like hangi, rewena bread, and kina, alongside food representing New Zealand’s diverse communities including Pacific Island, Asian, and European cuisines. Clothing stalls range from traditional Māori garments and modern streetwear to vintage finds. Local craftspeople sell woodwork, pottery, jewelry, and homewares.

Children’s Activities

Families are well catered for with a dedicated children’s area featuring bouncy castles, inflatable slides, and obstacle courses. Racing cars and ride-on toys keep younger children entertained. Face painting stations often feature traditional Māori designs alongside favorite characters. Sports activities including touch rugby, volleyball, and traditional Māori games give older children chances to burn energy. Many activities are free, though some rides and attractions may have small fees.

Interactive Cultural Experiences

Throughout the grounds, visitors can participate in hands-on cultural activities. Learn basic te reo Māori phrases, try your hand at poi spinning, or watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like flax weaving and carving. Some years feature waka (canoe) displays where you can learn about traditional navigation and boat building.

Live Music

Beyond traditional performances, contemporary New Zealand musicians perform throughout the day. Expect a mix of genres from reggae and hip-hop to rock and pop, all with a distinctly Kiwi flavor. Local Bay of Islands musicians often share the stage with nationally recognized artists.

Food and Drink

The food options reflect New Zealand’s multicultural identity. Traditional hangi cooked underground in earth ovens offers a taste of authentic Māori cuisine. Pacific Island stalls serve favorites like chop suey, coconut buns, and tropical fruits. Asian food trucks offer dumplings, pad thai, and sushi. You’ll also find classic Kiwi fish and chips, ice cream, and fresh fruit. Beverages range from traditional kawakawa tea to fresh juices, coffee, and soft drinks. Note that this is an alcohol-free family event.

The Treaty Grounds buildings remain closed on February 6, with all focus on the outdoor festival. The day carries a unique atmosphere, blending commemoration with celebration, cultural expression, and the relaxed feel of a summer gathering.

The Historical Setting and Cultural Context

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are not just a venue but the actual location where New Zealand’s founding document was first signed. On February 6, 1840, representatives of the British Crown and over 40 Māori rangatira (chiefs) gathered here to sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The flagstaff on the Upper Treaty Grounds marks the exact spot where that first signing took place.

The Treaty Signing: February 1840

The events of February 1840 were complex and contested. British Resident James Busby and Captain William Hobson of the Royal Navy had drafted a treaty intended to establish British sovereignty while protecting Māori rights and property. On February 5, rangatira gathered to debate the proposed treaty. The discussions were lengthy and heated, with powerful voices on both sides.

Some chiefs, like Tāmati Wāka Nene of Ngāpuhi, argued in favor of signing, believing British governance might bring order and protection from lawless European settlers and potential French colonization. Others, including Rewa and Moka, expressed deep skepticism about British intentions and feared losing their land and authority.

When they returned on February 6, more than 40 signed the Māori language version of the document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Over the following months, more than 500 leaders from throughout New Zealand added their signatures. However, significant differences existed between the English and Māori versions of the treaty, differences that would create ongoing debate and grievance for generations.

Understanding the Treaty Today

The Treaty of Waitangi remains a living document at the heart of New Zealand’s national identity and ongoing constitutional discussions. The differences between the English version (which spoke of ceding sovereignty) and the Māori version (which guaranteed tino rangatiratanga, or chiefly authority) have led to more than 180 years of interpretation, debate, and efforts toward reconciliation.

Today, the Treaty is seen as a partnership between Māori and the Crown, establishing principles of protection, participation, and partnership. The Waitangi Tribunal, established in 1975, hears claims of Treaty breaches and recommends redress. Many iwi have negotiated Treaty settlements addressing historical grievances, though the process continues.

Waitangi Day: A Day of Many Meanings

Waitangi Day carries different meanings for different New Zealanders. For many, it’s a day of national pride and celebration of New Zealand’s unique bicultural heritage. For Māori, particularly those connected to Ngāpuhi and the Bay of Islands, it’s a day of profound significance, acknowledging both the promises made in 1840 and the struggles that followed.

Some Māori view Waitangi Day with mixed feelings, acknowledging the Treaty’s importance while recognizing the historical injustices that occurred despite its guarantees. The day has sometimes been marked by protests, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s when Māori activism brought Treaty issues to national attention.

In recent decades, Waitangi Day has evolved into a more inclusive celebration that acknowledges this complex history while looking forward. The festival atmosphere coexists with moments of reflection and commemoration. Official ceremonies in the morning give way to celebration as the day progresses, reflecting New Zealand’s journey toward understanding and partnership.

Standing on these grounds during Waitangi Day, visitors are at the geographic heart of New Zealand’s history, where decisions made in 1840 continue to shape the nation today. The festival provides a unique opportunity to witness how New Zealanders grapple with this history while celebrating the country’s identity.

Planning Your Visit

The dawn service at 5am appeals to those wanting a more contemplative start to the day, but most visitors arrive later in the morning once the festival is in full swing. The grounds can get busy, particularly around midday, so arriving earlier in the day often means easier parking and a more relaxed experience.

Getting There and Parking

Location: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 1 Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Parking: While free parking is normally available at the Treaty Grounds main entrance and along Tau Henare Drive, parking on Waitangi Day is extremely limited and fills very early (often before 7am). With thousands of visitors attending, finding parking at or near the grounds is challenging and often not possible. We strongly recommend using alternative transport rather than driving to the event.

Alternative Transport Options:

• Walk from Paihia: The Treaty Grounds are just 2km from Paihia township, about a 25-minute walk along the waterfront. This is often the easiest option and avoids parking stress entirely.
• Shuttle Services: Check locally for shuttle bus services operating between Paihia and the Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day. Hotels and accommodation providers often know about these services.
• Bicycle: Cycling from Paihia is straightforward, and bike parking is available at the grounds.
• Car Pooling: If driving from further afield, consider car pooling with others to reduce parking demand.

Arrival Recommendations:

• For dawn service: Arrive by 4:45am
• For good parking: Arrive before 8:30am
• For a relaxed experience: Arrive after 2pm when some earlier visitors have left, or walk from Paihia at any time

What to Bring

Essential Items:

• Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and sunglasses. February is peak summer in New Zealand, and you’ll be outdoors most of the day.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day. While water is available for purchase, bringing your own bottle is environmentally friendly and convenient.
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on your feet and walking across grass and gravel paths for much of the day. Avoid new shoes or sandals without support.
• Cash: While many vendors accept cards, some market stalls prefer cash. ATMs are available in Paihia but bring cash to avoid queues.

Recommended Items:

• Folding chairs or picnic blanket: Great for relaxing between activities and watching performances.
• Light rain jacket or umbrella: Bay of Islands weather can change quickly, even in summer.
• Reusable bags: Handy for market purchases and environmentally responsible.
• Camera or phone: You’ll want to capture the performances and atmosphere.
• Snacks and lunch: While food is plentiful, bringing some of your own can save money and time in queues.
• Power bank: For keeping phones charged throughout the day.

For Families:

• Stroller or baby carrier: The grounds are large, and young children tire quickly.
• Change of clothes for children: Activities can get messy.
• Entertainment for waiting: Small toys or books for queue times.

Facilities On-Site

Restrooms: Portable toilets are distributed throughout the grounds. Expect queues during peak times (11am to 2pm). The facilities near the entrance tend to be busiest; those further into the grounds often have shorter waits.

First Aid: A first aid station operates throughout the day, staffed by St John Ambulance volunteers. It’s typically located near the main entrance.

Accessibility: The Treaty Grounds have wheelchair-accessible pathways, though some areas with grass may be challenging after rain. Accessible toilets are available. Contact the Treaty Grounds in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.

Lost Children: A lost children point operates during the festival. If you become separated from your group, the main information tent near the entrance is the meeting point.

Bag Storage: Generally not available, so bring only what you can comfortably carry.

Event Timing and Duration

• Dawn Service: 5:00am to 6:00am
• Festival Opens: Gates open around 6:00am
• Peak Activity: 10:00am to 3:00pm
• Festival Closes: Typically winds down around 5:00pm to 6:00pm

How Long to Stay: Most visitors spend 3-5 hours at the festival. You could easily fill an entire day if you want to see multiple performances, explore all the market stalls, and let children enjoy the activities.

Weather Considerations

February 6 falls in the height of New Zealand summer. Temperatures typically range from 20-28°C (68-82°F), though it can be hotter. The Bay of Islands has a subtropical climate, so expect humidity.

If it’s hot and sunny: Apply sunscreen regularly (every 2 hours), wear a hat, seek shade during the hottest part of the day (11am-2pm), and drink plenty of water. Sunburn can happen quickly in New Zealand’s strong UV.

If it rains: The festival continues in light rain. Bring rain gear and be prepared for muddy conditions. The grass can become slippery. Heavy rain may affect some outdoor stages, but the event rarely cancels entirely.

Cultural Considerations and Etiquette

This is New Zealand’s national day and a culturally significant event. Approach the day with respect:

• During performances: Give performers your attention. Talking or moving around during kapa haka performances is considered disrespectful.
• Photography: Generally welcome, but be mindful during solemn moments like the dawn service. Ask before photographing people up close.
• Te reo Māori: You’ll hear New Zealand’s indigenous language throughout the day. Key phrases: “Kia ora” (hello/thank you), “Haere mai” (welcome), “Ka pai” (good).
• Questions welcome: Most performers and stallholders are happy to answer questions about their culture, crafts, or performances.
• Alcohol-free event: This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free festival. Please respect this.

What Not to Bring

• Alcohol (not permitted)
• Drones (restricted airspace)
• Pets (except registered assistance dogs)
• Glass containers (safety concern)
• Weapons or anything that could be considered threatening

Beyond February 6

While Waitangi Day showcases the Treaty Grounds at their most active and significant, the site is open year-round and offers a different experience outside the national day. Visitors can explore the buildings that remain closed during the festival, including Te Whare Rūnanga and the Museum of Waitangi. The grounds themselves provide a peaceful setting to learn about the Treaty’s history and its ongoing relevance to New Zealand.

Experiencing Waitangi Day gives visitors a sense of the site’s national importance and the role it continues to play in New Zealand’s identity. For those wanting to understand more about what they’ve witnessed during the festival, returning to explore the Treaty Grounds on a quieter day provides valuable context and a chance to engage more deeply with the exhibitions and historical sites.

Experience New Zealand’s National Day

Attending the Waitangi Day Festival offers visitors a chance to be part of New Zealand’s most significant national occasion at the place where it all began. The combination of cultural performance, historical setting, and community gathering creates an experience that’s distinctly New Zealand. Whether you arrive for the dawn service or join the festival later in the day, you’ll be witnessing how the country marks its founding moment.

For full details on the day’s programme, transport options, and what to expect, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds website.

Related Links

• Waitangi – Places to See – Learn more about Waitangi and what to see year-round
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Visit the Treaty Grounds outside of Waitangi Day
• Accommodation in the Bay of Islands – Find places to stay for your Waitangi Day visit
• Bay of Islands Tours & Activities – Explore more of the Bay of Islands during your visit