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 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!

 

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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.

 

Marlborough

🔗 Waitangi Whānau Day

What? –  A day of connection and community with something for everyone! Enjoy a variety of kai and drinks carts, free games and activities for all ages, community stalls, and more. Bring your whānau and friends!

When? – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where? –  Seymour Square, Blenheim.

 

Tasman

🔗 Waitangi Day Whakatū Nelson

What? –  A vibrant event honouring Aotearoa’s bicultural heritage; begin with a pōwhiri at 9am, enjoy the International Kai Festival from 10am–3pm, and experience live performances from kapa haka and Pacifica groups at Founders Heritage Park and Whakatū Marae.

When? – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where? –  Founders Heritage Park & Whakatū Marae, Nelson.

 

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.

🔗 Kaiapoi Waitangi Day Family Festival

What? – A fantastic day out for the whole family in Kaiapoi! Enjoy live music, kapa haka, cultural performances, the Sport Suzy Show, and much more. Explore market stalls, food vendors, bouncy castles, pony rides, face painting, and airbrush tattoos.

When? – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where? – Trousselot Park, Kaiapoi.

 

West Coast

🔗 Waitangi Day Community Picnic

What? – Enjoy a day of whānau-friendly fun with kids' activities, free hāngī and BBQ, live music and entertainment, and insights into Te Tiriti o Waitangi through mātauranga and history.

When? – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where? – Dixon Park, Greymouth.

 

Otago

🔗 Waitangi Day Whānau Festival

What? – Celebrate our national day with a Whānau Festival in the Octagon, delicious kai and live entertainment. Nau mai, tauti mai—everyone is welcome!

When? – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where? – Upper Octagon and Carriageway, Dunedin.

🔗 Waitangi Day Commemoration

What? – Celebrate Waitangi Day 2025 at Tāhuna Queenstown Recreation Grounds with Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka e Whitu and QLDC. Experience a day of reflection and unity, highlighting collaborative stewardship initiatives that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. All are welcome to join this special commemoration.

When? – 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where? – Tāhuna Queenstown Recreation Grounds, Queenstown.

🔗 Mana Tāhuna Waitangi Day

What? – Enjoy a day of music, kai, and whānau fun! Support local stalls fundraising for rangatahi, tamariki, and sports. Come together, connect, and commemorate this special day.

When? – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where? – Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown.

 

Southland

🔗 Waitangi Day Esk Fest

What? – Southlanders, celebrate our national day at Radio Southland’s Waitangi Esk Fest. Enjoy live music from The Dollys, Hoodaki, and Theorem, along with cultural performances, including Cook Islands drumming and Indian dance. Explore food carts, stalls, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day.

When? – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where? – Esk Street, Invercargill

🔗 Waitangi Day Music at Motupōhue Bluff

What? – Experience a fusion of music and food at Waitangi Day Music Motupōhue Bluff. Enjoy top local talent and immerse yourself in a day of cultural celebration. Savor delicious bites while surrounded by the scenic beauty of Bluff. Free entry for all!

When? – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where? – Oyster Festival Site, Bluff.