Waitangi Weekend
From $1690.00 per person
Every year on Waitangi Day, 6 February, New Zealanders of all communities, backgrounds and creeds gather to commemorate the signing of New Zealand’s most historic document Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi. On this 4 day tour, we travel up to the beautiful Bay of Islands, spend some time in Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. The highlight of the trip is celebrating Waitangi Day at the treaty grounds where we witness Māori cultural performances, speeches from Māori and Pakeha (European) dignitaries, and a naval salute are all part of the annual activities at Waitangi.
Saturday 04 February - Tuesday 07 February 2017
Day 1 - Saturday 04 February 2017 HOME CITIES - PAIHIA (D) Today we commence our tour travelling north through Auckland and over the harbour bridge. We will make a detour into Whangaparoa, before having a stop at Orewa. We will then continue travelling up to Kerikeri where we will view the Stone House and enjoy some leisure time before we travel to Paihia where we will stay for the next three nights. Tanoa Paihia Hotel – 3 nights
Day 2 - Sunday 05 February 2017 PAIHIA - WAITANGI (BD) This morning we take the ferry over to Russell, where on arrival we take a tour of Russell to give an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history. We will visit areas of historical interest which cannot be easily covered on foot, see sights such as the giant sundial, Long Beach, Queen’s View, Tapeka Point and the Flagstaff with stunning 360° vistas. After this tour, we give you some time in Russell to have lunch before heading back to Paihia. This afternoon we visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand’s history began. While we are here, we will enjoy a guided tour of the treaty grounds. A large copy of the Treaty of Waitangi in the Visitor Centre sets the scene for our informative tour. Stepping outside takes us through lush native forest to the sparkling waters of the bay, where you’ll discover Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe. The story of the journey of Māori ancestors to Aotearoa is revealed before we continue along a gently sloping track to the flagstaff. Underneath the flagstaff is the very spot where the Treaty was signed in 1840. Our Guided Tour ends in front of the Treaty House and Meeting House, with breath taking views of the Bay of Islands and a new appreciation for New Zealand’s history. We will then gather outside the majestic carved meeting house (Te Whare Rūnanga) where Te Pitowhenua, our resident performing arts group, will welcome us inside with a traditional Māori welcome (powhiri). Seated in stunning carved surroundings that depict history and genealogy, the scene is set for a high-energy show. Poi twirling, Māori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies and a traditional haka will leave us spellbound. After the show there is an opportunity to meet the performers, ask questions and take photos with them. After this, we will head back to our accommodation to prepare for dinner at the Paihia Ex-Servicemans Club.
Day 3 - Monday 06 February 2017 WAITANGI (BD) We have an early start this morning as we make our way to the Treaty Grounds to witness the traditional Dawn Service in Te Whare Rūnanga, the carved meeting house. Throughout the day there is continuous entertainment at three different areas of the grounds: Upper Treaty Grounds, Waka Stage and the Sports Field opposite the Treaty Grounds. Some 150 market stalls have art, craft, clothing and a large variety of food for sale. Children’s activities include bouncy castles, kids racing cars and sports games. If you wish to head back to Paihia for the afternoon, you will be transferred into Paihia for an afternoon of leisure. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Day 4 - Tuesday 07 February PAIHIA - HOME CITIES (B) This morning we begin our homeward journey. We travel south via Whangarei where we will stop for you to have a wander around the town and view the spectacular Whangarei Falls before continuing on our way.
Day 2 - Sunday 05 February 2017 PAIHIA - WAITANGI (BD) This morning we take the ferry over to Russell, where on arrival we take a tour of Russell to give an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history. We will visit areas of historical interest which cannot be easily covered on foot, see sights such as the giant sundial, Long Beach, Queen’s View, Tapeka Point and the Flagstaff with stunning 360° vistas. After this tour, we give you some time in Russell to have lunch before heading back to Paihia. This afternoon we visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand’s history began. While we are here, we will enjoy a guided tour of the treaty grounds. A large copy of the Treaty of Waitangi in the Visitor Centre sets the scene for our informative tour. Stepping outside takes us through lush native forest to the sparkling waters of the bay, where you’ll discover Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe. The story of the journey of Māori ancestors to Aotearoa is revealed before we continue along a gently sloping track to the flagstaff. Underneath the flagstaff is the very spot where the Treaty was signed in 1840. Our Guided Tour ends in front of the Treaty House and Meeting House, with breath taking views of the Bay of Islands and a new appreciation for New Zealand’s history. We will then gather outside the majestic carved meeting house (Te Whare Rūnanga) where Te Pitowhenua, our resident performing arts group, will welcome us inside with a traditional Māori welcome (powhiri). Seated in stunning carved surroundings that depict history and genealogy, the scene is set for a high-energy show. Poi twirling, Māori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies and a traditional haka will leave us spellbound. After the show there is an opportunity to meet the performers, ask questions and take photos with them. After this, we will head back to our accommodation to prepare for dinner at the Paihia Ex-Servicemans Club.
Day 3 - Monday 06 February 2017 WAITANGI (BD) We have an early start this morning as we make our way to the Treaty Grounds to witness the traditional Dawn Service in Te Whare Rūnanga, the carved meeting house. Throughout the day there is continuous entertainment at three different areas of the grounds: Upper Treaty Grounds, Waka Stage and the Sports Field opposite the Treaty Grounds. Some 150 market stalls have art, craft, clothing and a large variety of food for sale. Children’s activities include bouncy castles, kids racing cars and sports games. If you wish to head back to Paihia for the afternoon, you will be transferred into Paihia for an afternoon of leisure. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Day 4 - Tuesday 07 February PAIHIA - HOME CITIES (B) This morning we begin our homeward journey. We travel south via Whangarei where we will stop for you to have a wander around the town and view the spectacular Whangarei Falls before continuing on our way.
