Waitangi & Countryside

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 including 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 three giant Kauri trees. It is still launched every year on the 6th February
for Waitangi Day.

Leaving Waitangi, you will travel through beautiful countryside to Puketona Junction
and Kerikeri where citrus fruit orchards dominate the horizon, their deep green foliage
blending with the russet-coloured sheep grazing country. While passing through the
Kerikeri Basin, see the Stone Store and Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest building.
Before returning to the ship there will be a stop to photograph the cascading Haruru
Falls.