Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Museum & Māori Performance Day Pass
New Zealand's founding story, told across two museums and a living cultural performance
You get full access to two museums, a guided tour with headsets, a live cultural performance, and the grounds themselves with walking trails and views across the Bay of Islands. Your pass works for two consecutive days, so you can split the visit if you prefer. Admission includes everything — no separate fees at the door.
1d–2d
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Enter Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Visit heritage buildings
- See the world’s largest ceremonial waka
- Tour Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi
- Tour Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship
- Join 50-minute guided tour
- Watch 30-minute Māori cultural performance
- Enjoy panoramic Bay of Islands views
The Experience
You've just arrived at Waitangi, and the Bay of Islands spreads out behind the grounds like it's been waiting for you. The Treaty Grounds sit on this peninsula where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840, and your day pass opens everything — both museums, the guided tour, the performance, the walking trails, and access to the world's largest ceremonial waka. The 50-minute guided tour moves at a steady pace, and headsets mean you hear every detail even when the group spreads out across the site. After that comes the 30-minute Māori cultural performance, which is live and changes the whole weight of what you've just learned in the museum.
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship are both on the grounds, and the audio guides work in English, Te Reo Māori, French, German, and Chinese — so you move through at your own speed if you want to linger on something. The panoramic views of the Bay of Islands pull you back outside between buildings, and there are bush walks if you need to stretch or just sit with what you've absorbed. The whole thing is wheelchair accessible, though the grounds do have uneven surfaces, so if mobility is a concern, plan for that. Your pass is valid for two consecutive days, which means you don't have to cram everything in one afternoon — you can come back if something stuck with you.
The site operates in all weather, so bring a jacket and shoes that work on damp grass. Dogs aren't allowed except for guide dogs, and the grounds are set up for families — infants can come in prams, and children need an adult with them. It's not a quick stop; most people spend three to four hours here and still feel like they've only scratched the surface.
What’s included
- Your admission covers entry to Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship, a 50-minute guided tour with headsets, a 30-minute live Māori cultural performance, access to all heritage buildings and the world's largest ceremonial waka, the Waitangi – Birthplace of a Nation introductory film, and full use of the bush walks and grounds.
- Audio and written guides are available in five languages.
- Your pass is valid for two consecutive days.
Operated by Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Is this one for you?Right for anyone spending time in the Bay of Islands who wants to understand New Zealand's founding story without arranging separate museum visits or cultural experiences — everything is in one place, and the two-day pass means you can return if something pulls you back.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How long does the whole visit usually take?
Most visitors spend three to four hours, though your two-day pass lets you return if you want to take it slower or revisit a section.
What's included in the admission?
Entry to both museums, the 50-minute guided tour, the 30-minute cultural performance, access to all heritage buildings and the ceremonial waka, and the walking trails. Headsets are provided for the tour.
Is the site accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, it's wheelchair accessible, but the grounds have uneven surfaces that may be difficult for some users. Plan ahead if mobility is a concern.
Can I bring my dog?
No, except for guide dogs. Other animals, including those left in cars, are not permitted.
What languages are the audio guides available in?
English, Te Reo Māori, French, German, and Chinese.
Does the site operate in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather. Dress appropriately for rain or wind.
Can I bring a pram or stroller for infants?
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Is the cultural performance live every day?
Yes, the 30-minute Māori cultural performance is live and part of your admission.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Museum & Māori Performance Day Pass
1d–2d · EN
from NZ$ 74 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.66348 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
