Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Kia ora.

This place has so much history and is a place of contention for many Maori people. The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed at here on 6 February 1840. This treaty is arguably the founding document of New Zealand. Although the translation of the English word 'sovereignty' to the Maori word 'kawanatanga' meaning governance gives rise to the question, was soverigity ever relinquished?

This place was amazing and I recommend it to anyone visiting the Bay of Islands. Highly educational, beautiful landscape and just generally fascinating.

The house pictured, Treaty House was actually built in Australia, dismantled and then reconstructed in Waitangi. The builders thoughtful placed Roman numerals along the studs to allow for easy reconstruction. Who knew prefabricated buildings existed in the 1830s.

The stump pictured behind us was one of three giant trees used to make the giant waka taua, war canoe. The waka taua is 35.7 metres long.Read more