Culture and Heritage

The Bay of Islands is often referred to as “the birthplace of New Zealand” due to the momentous events that took place there, which shaped our nation. The famous Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed here in 1840 by both representatives of the Brittish Crown and Maori chiefs, became the founding document for our new nation, and is commemorated every year in the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Explore the museums, take a historical tour and walk the early Maori pa sites.