Waitangi Day 2027 — New Zealand's National Day

Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) on 6 February 1840 — the founding document of modern New Zealand, signed at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands between representatives of the British Crown and Maori rangatira (chiefs). It is New Zealand's national day, observed as a public holiday each year on 6 February.

In 2027, February 6 falls on a Saturday. Under New Zealand's Holidays Act, when a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed on the following Monday if the day itself is not already a working day. This means the public holiday for Waitangi Day 2027 will be observed on Monday 8 February 2027, creating a wonderful three-day long weekend for New Zealanders.

Waitangi Day 2027 — Key Dates

  • Waitangi Day: Saturday 6 February 2027 (Treaty anniversary date)
  • Public Holiday Observed: Monday 8 February 2027
  • Long Weekend: Saturday 6 February to Monday 8 February 2027
  • Treaty Anniversary: 187th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840–2027)

The Treaty of Waitangi — A Brief History

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840 at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. It was the founding document of New Zealand as a nation — an agreement between the British Crown and around 500 Maori rangatira (chiefs) representing iwi from across Aotearoa New Zealand. The Treaty has two versions — one in English and one in Te Reo Maori — and debate about the meaning and interpretation of its provisions has shaped New Zealand's history ever since.

The Treaty House at Waitangi, where the Treaty was first signed, is one of New Zealand's most historically significant buildings. The Treaty Grounds now encompass a museum, the carved meeting house Te Whare Runanga, and the magnificent 35-metre waka taua (war canoe) Nga Toki Matawhaorua. A visit to Waitangi is one of the most important and meaningful experiences any visitor to New Zealand can have.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds — What to See

  • The Treaty House: New Zealand's oldest European building — the historic home of British Resident James Busby, where the Treaty was signed in 1840
  • Te Whare Runanga: The beautifully carved meeting house, completed in 1940 for the centenary of the Treaty — featuring carvings from iwi across New Zealand
  • Nga Toki Matawhaorua: The magnificent 35-metre waka taua (war canoe) — one of the largest in the world — launched on the river each Waitangi Day
  • Waitangi Museum: The world-class Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi tells the story of the Treaty and its place in New Zealand history
  • Cultural Performances: Daily kapa haka performances and guided tours by Maori cultural educators
  • Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides bring the history of the Treaty Grounds to life

Waitangi Day Ceremonies & Events 2027

Waitangi Day is the most significant day in the New Zealand calendar at the Treaty Grounds. On 6 February 2027 (and over the long weekend), the Waitangi Treaty Grounds will host a range of special events, ceremonies and activities that make this a truly memorable experience for visitors of all backgrounds.

Waitangi Day 2027 Activities

  • Treaty Grounds Ceremonies: The official Waitangi Day commemorations on 6 February include dawn ceremonies, cultural performances, and official speeches at the Treaty Grounds
  • Waka (Canoe) Displays on the River: The launching of Nga Toki Matawhaorua on the Waitangi River is one of the most spectacular sights in New Zealand — a tradition on Waitangi Day
  • Maori Cultural Experiences: Kapa haka performances, poi displays, and traditional Maori arts and crafts throughout the grounds and surrounding area
  • Guided Tours of Treaty Grounds: Expert guides lead informative and engaging tours of the Treaty House, Te Whare Runanga, and the wider grounds
  • Te Kongahu Museum: Explore the comprehensive museum covering the history of the Treaty and its ongoing significance to New Zealand society
  • Visiting Paihia and Russell: The Bay of Islands comes alive over Waitangi weekend with events, markets, and activities in Paihia and the historic township of Russell across the water
  • Bay of Islands Beaches: February is peak summer — the beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the whole region has an energetic, festive atmosphere
  • Kerikeri Farmers Market: The Saturday morning farmers market at Kerikeri is a wonderful way to start the long weekend with fresh local produce

Why Stay in Kerikeri for Waitangi Day?

Many visitors choose to stay in Paihia for Waitangi Day, but Kerikeri offers some distinct advantages as a base — particularly for those seeking comfortable, self-contained accommodation in a peaceful setting.

At just 20 minutes from Waitangi, Kerigold Chalets is actually closer to the Treaty Grounds than some accommodation in Paihia itself — and significantly closer than accommodation in areas like Kaikohe or Kaitaia. You can drive to Waitangi in around 20 minutes, enjoy the full day of events and ceremonies, and return to a relaxed, self-contained chalet in the evening.

Distances from Kerigold Chalets

  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Approximately 20 minutes by car
  • Paihia: Approximately 25 minutes by car
  • Russell: Approximately 30 minutes by car (or ferry from Paihia)
  • Kerikeri town centre: Walking distance — just minutes from the chalets
  • Rainbow Falls: 5 minutes by car
  • Stone Store / Kerikeri Basin: 5 minutes by car
  • Matauri Bay: 35 minutes by car

Waitangi Day Long Weekend Itinerary

With three days from Saturday 6 February to Monday 8 February, here is how you might spend the Waitangi Day 2027 long weekend based at Kerigold Chalets: