The Waitangi National Reserve is one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites. It includes a massive war canoe (waka), an ornate Maori meeting house (whare runanga) and the Treaty House, where the Treaty of Waitangi (an agreement between the Maori people and the British) was signed in 1840. At the visitor centre you can watch an introductory audio visual, then browse a gallery of portraits and Maori weapons. Several times a day there is a Maori cultural performance; an entertaining sound and light show is staged most evenings. The Treaty House serves as a museum. Displays include a replica of the original treaty. The hotel located within the reserve has a restaurant and bar.
Functional facts: Visitor centre, hotel accommodation.