Duration
3:30 Hours
Activity Level
Moderate
Experience Details*
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It was here on 6th February 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown.
The Treaty Grounds are part of the 1000 acre Waitangi National Trust Estate, which was given to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932. Enjoy an informative guided tour of the grounds and see The Treaty House - one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes, Te Whare Runanga – a fully carved Maori Meeting House and the Waitangi Visitor Centre - with its audio visual show outlining the history of Waitangi and the Bay of Islands.
You will also be able to observe the impressive Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the world's largest Maori ceremonial war canoes, spanning some 117 feet in length and made from 3giant Kauri trees. It is still launched every year on the 6th February for Waitangi Day.
Leaving Waitangi, your journey will take you through beautiful countryside where citrus fruit orchards with their deep green foliage blend with the russet-coloured farm land of the Kerikeri region.
In Kerikeri, located along the Kerikeri River, you’ll find the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Have you camera ready to photograph this lovely waterfall as it cascades into the pool below. A short drive from the Falls is the picturesque Kerikeri Basin, New Zealand's most historic site and home to the Stone Store and Kemp House, the country's oldest surviving building.
At a glance*
Duration: 3½ hour guided tour
Activity: Moderate level of walking
Transport: By coach
Why book? To visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and explore the countryside of the Bay of Islands.
Itinerary*
Waitangi Treaty Grounds (interior guided visit) > Scenic drive to Kerikeri > Rainbow Falls (photo stop) Kerikeri Basin (photo stop) >
What's included*
Local guide
Panoramic guided tour
Entrance into the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Photo opportunities
Essential information
There is approximately 45 minutes’ walking on the paths and lawns at Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Attractions maybe visited in reverse order. The Treaty house will be viewed form the outside only, no inside visit.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS, You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.