Access Guide: What to expect at Waitangi this year

What you need to know

• Waitangi Day brings together tens of thousands of people across two events at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Te Tī Marae in Paihia
• There are some accessible shuttles to transport people between the carparks and the festival sites
• NZSL interpreters will be present at the Treaty Grounds for the pōwhiri, as well as the Dawn Ceremony and Interdenominational Church Service 
• Most events take place on flat, mowed grass, however there are some slopes and gravel surfaces to navigate
• Although there are no designated low-sensory spaces, the outer grass areas will be less crowded
• The grounds will be very busy, particularly on Thursday 6th February 
• The weather may be very hot and there’s not much shade so bring water, snacks and sunblock

If you’ve never been to Waitangi on Waitangi Day before, the logistics can seem a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve scoped out as many accessibility features as we can in advance so you can go in with as much preparation as possible.

The event buzzes with culture, politics, music, ceremony and kōrero with public events scheduled from the dawn of Monday 3 February until the end of Thursday 6 February. While details continue to arrive, this page will be updated right up to Waitangi Day. 

The festival spans across two significant sites at Waitangi: Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tī) Marae and The Waitangi Treaty Grounds. They are a 10-15 minute walk apart, separated by a narrow one-way bridge that will be closed to public traffic on the morning of February 3rd and all day on the 6th. 

There’s something for everyone. You can enjoy music, food stalls, arts and craft stalls, watch the waka parade, learn about local kaupapa, and listen in on forums. Of course, as a political epicentre, it’s also a place of protest. Check out the programme covering events across both sites.

There is free parking and some accessible shuttles that will run continuously between Bledisloe Domain Road and Hobson Memorial Gate until 6pm daily. There will be golf carts to transfer people from their cars to accessible shuttles within the large car park.

Getting to Waitangi

Driving is a popular option for those living outside Waitangi. The organisers suggest that if you’re coming from South of Kawakawa (the place with the fun Hundertwasser toilets), to approach Waitangi from SH1 to Pakaraka and continue on SH10 to Puketona. This will give you the best access to free parking options at Haruru Falls and Bledisloe Domain, where the free shuttles - some which are accessible - will also operate from. 

Te Karuwha Parade and Te Kemara Avenue will be blocked off to the public. However, those with a mobility permit can be dropped off at Te Tī Marae.

The nearest airport, Kerikeri Airport, is a 25-minute drive from Waitangi. You can also take the Intercity bus to Paihia which arrives at the Maritime Building, a 20 minute walk to Waitangi. 

On Waitangi Day only, Northland Ferries will operate a charter service from Russell, direct to Waitangi at 4am, the public are welcome to join this service. A Waitangi pier stop on the regular ferry services will operate from Russell. Ferries depart Russell every 20 minutes, and Waitangi (to Paihia) every 20 minutes from 8am to 5pm.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Over 40,000 are expected at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is the place of the first flagstaff, the whare rūnanga and Ngātokimatawhaorua waka. While the Treaty Grounds usually has its museums and treaty house open to the public, these will be closed during Waitangi Day. On the eve of Waitangi, upper building access will be restricted so a 20% discount will be applied to admission fees until 4pm.

Across the lower sportsfield opposite the Copthorne Hotel will be most of the market stalls. Most of the market stall area is unshaded and gets pretty crowded, but just on the road outside the Copthorne is a shaded boardwalk if you need a sit down. Most of the festival is on relatively flat and mowed grass.

The upper field is where dignitaries and politicians will be welcomed during the week and where the famous 5am Dawn Ceremony is held. There will be NZSL interpreters at the pōwhiri for the Governor General, the Kiingitanga and politicians, as well as the Dawn Ceremony and Interdenominational Church Service. 

On Waitangi Day and across the field from the whare rūnanga, some of Aotearoa’s best musical talent will be gracing the main stage. There are no seats, so bring your own wheels - or other preferred comfy seating options - and some kai while you enjoy the tunes. 

One of the main challenges is getting up and down the upper and lower fields. Check out the festival map which shows some access-friendlier paths. 

Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae, 25 Te Kemara Avenue

Looking out to beach of Te Tī bay is Waitangi Marae, a special place of gathering for Ngāti Kawa, Ngāti Rahiri and Te Matarahurahu hapū. Its history is deeply entwined with the signing of He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence in 1835, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. 

The grounds here are mostly flat, mowed grass with some gravel to navigate. There are accessible wharepaku behind the wharekai, and these will be open to the public.

The marae is reopening their fully restored and refurbished Whare Tupuna, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, this year, celebrating its 101st year, so they are offering an extra market day and expecting larger numbers to attend. Marae chair, Ngati Kawa Taituha, said that hāngī is being prepared for up to 10,000 attendees at the opening. 

Around Te Tī bay is a nice quieter space for rest and rejuvenation. 

If you'd like a visual tour of Waitangi, check out the video below:

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