Cool Stuff

Te Rā o Waitangi - Our Event Guide!

Waitangi Day is a special time to reflect on Aotearoa’s history, honour the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and celebrate unity and diversity. There are many fantastic events taking place across the country, offering opportunities to connect with local communities and commemorate this important day together.

We encourage our staff and kiritaki to take part in these celebrations and find ways to participate in the events happening near you. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of events happening across Aotearoa New Zealand. Click the name of an event you're interested in to learn more!

This is just a snapshot, so be sure to check out what's happening in your own area.

Ngā mihi o te rā o Waitangi!

WaitangiDay2025.png

Bay of Islands

🔗 Waitangi Day Festival 2025

What? - Celebrate Waitangi Day at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a dawn service at Te Whare Rūnanga, live music, cultural performances, market stalls, and family-friendly activities. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere and the traditions that shape Aotearoa.

When? – All day!

Where? – Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

 

Auckland

🔗 Waitangi ki Manukau

What? –  Waitangi ki Manukau at Barry Curtis Park celebrates Te Tiriti with weaving workshops, kōrero, and a vibrant market of Māori arts and kai. Enjoy live music from Dam Native, MAJIC, Tipene, and more, plus a dedicated play zone for tamariki.

When? – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where? – Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush.

🔗 Waitangi at Waititi

What? – Head to Parrs Park in West Auckland for a whānau-friendly celebration hosted by Te Whānau o Waipareira. Enjoy delicious kai, kid-friendly rides, and an epic music line-up featuring Stan Walker, Che Fu & The Kratez, Ladi 6, Troy Kingi, Aaradhna, and more!

When? – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where? – Parrs Park, Glen Eden.

🔗 Vector Lights for Waitangi Day

What? – Celebrate Waitangi Day with Vector Lights and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, featuring last year’s stunning show to the waiata ‘Maunga’ by Majic Pāora and Robbie Pāora. Catch the show every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight.

Tune in live at vector.co.nz/lights and enjoy the view from spots like Silo Park, Bayswater Marina, or Takarunga Mt Victoria.

When? – 9 p.m. to Midnight.

Where? – Harbour Bridge, Auckland.

 

Waikato

🔗 Waitangi Day Festival – Hamilton Kirikiriroa

What? – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is hosting an exciting Waitangi Day event for the whole whānau! Enjoy food trucks, live music, kapa haka, weaving wānanga, puppet shows, crafts for kids, exhibition talks, and films.

When? – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where? – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery, Hamilton.

 

Coromandel

🔗 Waitangi ki Whitianga

What? – Come along to Te Whitianga-nui-a-Kupe for a whānau fun day celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi! Enjoy kapa haka, live music from local artists, Mau Rākau demos, cultural performances, Tiriti-focused workshops, kai stalls, interactive toi Māori, and hauora services.

When? – 10 a.m. to 2.p.m

Where? – Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga.

 

Bay Of Plenty

🔗 Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival 2025

What? – Commemorate the signing of the Treaty, reflect on its meaning today, and embrace Tauranga’s diverse, multicultural community. Enjoy a day filled with music, local performers, food trucks, artisan stalls, family games, and the inaugural Waitangi Day Festival Art Competition.

When? – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where? – The Historic Village, Tauranga.

🔗 Mo te aroha o te iwi

What? – Rotorua’s official Waitangi Day event, Mo te aroha o te iwi, celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Enjoy Māori healing, wellness showcases, live performances, sports challenges, food stalls, interactive art, and more. Bring your whānau for a fun-filled day!

When? – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where? – Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua.

 

Taranaki

🔗 Waitangi ki Whaitara

What? – Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, stalls, tamariki and taiohi zones, plus information stalls, hosted by the Waitara Night Markets team. A fun day for all!

When? – 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where?  Otupaiia Marine Park, Waitara West Beach.

 

Hawkes Bay

🔗 Waitangi Day Family Celebrations

What? – Celebrate Waitangi Day in Hawke’s Bay with fun, learning, and unity! Enjoy flag-waving, a line dance, free rides, 50+ stalls, and more. The theme “Tatou Tatou, Come Together” calls for unity among Ngāti Kahungunu, iwi, and communities.

When? – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where? – Mitre 10 Sportspark, Hastings.

 

Manawatū-Whanganui 

🔗 Waitangi Day Te Marae o Hine

What? – This free, family-friendly event features cultural performances, kapa haka, music, hands-on workshops, and Treaty talks. Enjoy food trucks, stalls, and cultural displays while learning about our shared history.

When? – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where? – Te Marae o Hine – The Square, Palmerston North.

 

Wellington

🔗 Te Rā o Waitangi

What? – Celebrate Waitangi Day at Wellington’s Waitangi Park with multicultural performances, arts and crafts stalls, a Kids Zone, kite-making workshop, and live music from Wellington Batucada, Taonga Puoro, and more. Enjoy delicious kai, a fundraiser hāngī, and a special artwork by Keri-Mei Zagrobelna and Tina Rae Carter.

When? – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where?  Waitangi Park, Wellington Waterfront.

🔗 Waitangi Day in Porirua

What? – Enjoy a vibrant Waitangi Day in Porirua, proudly hosted with Ngāti Toa. Experience waka tours, live music at Te Rauparaha Park, food trucks on Norrie Street, and fun for tamariki and rangatahi. Featuring performances by Pere, Kings, Brooke & Starce, and more. Free entry!

When? – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where?  Te Rauparaha Park, Porirua.

 

Canterbury

🔗 Waitangi Day at the Pop-Up Museum

What? – Celebrate Waitangi Day at the Museum Pop-Up with activities for the whole whānau. Explore the vibrant ‘Wharenui Harikoa,’ a full-size wharenui crocheted in neon wool, and create your own mini version to take home. Learn about the artwork and its stories.

When? – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where? Canterbury Museum, Christchurch.

🔗 Waitangi Day Family Fun Day

What? – Explore local and national history through interactive displays, enjoy fun family-friendly activities, and catch live music from Lindon Puffin. Kids will love entertainers Natural Magic, and there’ll be delicious food and treats available. Support the museum with a koha, and bring a picnic to enjoy the surroundings.

When? – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where? – Okains Bay Museum, Okains Bay.