Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Just down the road from where we were staying are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. They earned their pivotal place in New Zealand history on 6 February 1840 when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maoris and the British Resident in New Zealand, James Busby, on behalf of the British Crown. James Busby's house (known as Treaty House) has been renovated and made into part of the museum and has a lovely English garden around it. There is a waka, which is a Maori war canoe which measures 35m long and can carry up to 120 warriors in it and is made from 3 Kauri tree. It gets launched every year on Waitangi Day. This day is a ceremonial celebration of the signing of the treaty held each year on the grounds in front of the Treaty House.

There is also a Maori meeting house in the grounds which was opened on 6 February 1940 to commemorate the centenary of the Treaty.