As travellers and tangata whenua (people of the land), we believe it’s important to not just see the landscapes, but to understand the history that shaped this land. For us, sharing the story of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is part of that journey.
The Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, is one of the most significant documents in Aotearoa – New Zealand’s history. Signed in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and more than 500 Māori rangatira (chiefs), the Treaty was meant to establish a partnership, protect Māori rights and outline how the two peoples would live together in this land.
But the story of Te Tiriti is complex. While Māori signed in good faith, believing it would safeguard their tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty), many promises were broken as colonial settlement grew. The effects are still felt today, yet the Treaty remains a living document — central to conversations about justice, cultural identity and the future of Aotearoa.
✨ Why Te Tiriti Matters
- Foundational agreement: It marked the beginning of formal relations between Māori and the Crown.
- Different understandings: The Māori and English versions contain key differences, especially around sovereignty and governance.
- Enduring relevance: Today, it shapes government policy, Treaty settlements and efforts toward equity and partnership.
Te Tiriti isn’t just history — it’s a compass that guides how we move forward together.
🗺️ Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
If you want to truly understand the depth of this story, the best place to do so is at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Te Tai Tokerau – Northland.
Here, you’ll walk the same paths where the Treaty was signed, explore the historic Treaty House and step inside the magnificently carved meeting house, Te Whare Rūnanga. The museum offers a powerful journey through Aotearoa’s history, weaving together Māori voices, taonga and stories that bring the Treaty to life.
Highlights at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds:
- Guided tours that share Māori and Pākehā perspectives.
- Cultural performances with waiata, haka and storytelling.
- The Museum of Waitangi, housing taonga and Treaty-related exhibitions.
- Sweeping views over the Bay of Islands — a reminder of the beauty that has always bound people to this place.
👉 Plan your visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
🌱 Homegrown Story
Te Tiriti is more than a historical document — it’s about people, land and identity. To travel Aotearoa with respect means acknowledging this turning point in our shared story. Visiting Waitangi isn’t just a stop on your itinerary; it’s a chance to connect with the roots of this nation.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.