Where History was Made

We stopped on our way back down from the Far North at the stunning Bay of Islands to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds near Pahia. This is where the treaty was signed between the Maori chiefs first signed an agreement with the British crown on 6th February 1840. The treaty has been a subject of much dispute in subsequent years.This 34 metre high flagstaff marks the point and depicts the 3 important flags namely the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, the Union Jack and the New Zealand flag.

The Treaty House was the residency for James Busby the British Government's representative in New Zealand. The house was brought from Australia and he lived there with his wife and 6 children.

It has carefully been restored to depict their life in this small house. The garden is a mixture of an English garden with a New Zealand influence.

We enjoyed a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony in the Carved Meeting House. 

A "must do" if you visit New Zealand and of course a photo opportunity.