Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Historic Kerikeri
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Port
Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
It was here in the Bay of Islands that many of this young country's formative events occurred. On today's tour, you'll take a trip back in time to visit key sights that will give you insight into the area's rich past.
Transfer from Waitangi to the Waitangi Treaty House. In 1840, the leading Maori chiefs of the area signed a treaty with the British Crown on this very spot. The loss of their sovereignty has been a contentious issue ever since.
Walk through the grounds, where you will see a finely carved marae (meeting place) and a huge waka (canoe). The views across the Bay of Islands to Russell are beautiful.
Your tour continues to Kerikeri, where you will see New Zealand's oldest buildings. Visit Kemp House, built by the early missionaries who also built the adjacent Stone Store. Nowadays, Kerikeri is an important citrus-growing area, where much of New Zealand's orange and grapefruit crop is raised. It is also a popular haven for artists and craftspeople.
Please note:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water.