Waitangi Day has been a significant day in New Zealand ever since the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840. The extended weekend gives families across the country the opportunity to get together to celebrate and honour the treaty whilst also offering an extra day off to enjoy the summer. Below are our Waitangi weekend recommendations.
Waitangi Weekend Events
Waitangi Day on the grounds
Monday 6th February, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Every year the Treaty Grounds closes its buildings for the day and the Grounds become the location for the Waitangi Day Festival. This is a free festival which starts at 5am with a dawn service in Te Whare Rūnanga on the grounds. Later in the day you have the opportunity to enjoy more than 150 market stalls. These will include an amazing array of art and crafts, clothing and a wide variety of food options. Children’s activities include bouncy castles, kids racing cars and sports games.
Ngāi Tahu Treaty Festival
Monday 6th February, Ōtākou, Ōtākou Marae
Each year the Ngāi Tahu Waitangi Day commemorations rotate between the three locations where Ngāi Tahu signed the Treaty, this year is hosted by Ōtākou Marae, near Dunedin. Bring a picnic and cash for food & craft stalls.
Waitangi Ki Manukau
Monday 6th February, Auckland, Hyman Park Depot
Auckland Council and Manukau Urban Māori Authority have teamed up to bring a line up of free live music to celebrate the holiday with your family and friends. ‘The Village’ will have an array of both Māori and Pacific food, craft stalls, live music, activities for kids and cultural performances.
Te Rā o Waitangi
Monday 6th February, Wellington, Waitangi Park
Presented by the Wellington City Council Creative Capital team, Te Rā o Waitangi is a free, family-friendly event on the Wellington Waterfront. Enjoy an award-winning line-up of Māori performers, food and culture.
North Island
Vector Lights For Waitangi
3rd-8th February, Auckland
Aucklanders can view the show from various points around the Waitematā Harbour from 3-8 February. The 13-minute presentation will play every half hour from 9pm until midnight. Recommended spots to view the lights are: Westhaven Marina; Silo Park; Princes and Queens Wharves; Little Shoal Bay; Northcote Point; Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park and Maungawhau Mt Eden.
L.A.B
4th February, Whangarei, Semenoff Stadium
Not only are L.A.B putting on an epic show, this will be alongside The Black Seeds, Katchafire, Troy Kingi & The Promises, Bailey Wiley, AACACIA, Tipene & DJ Jayrasik.
Tickets
Summer Classic
4th of February, Matakana Ascension Estate.
For the 10th year, Summer Classic along with GeorgeFM are hosting a Waitangi Weekend dance party in Matakana. You will see performances from What So Not, Montell2099, The Sachi Boys and so much more.
Tickets
VengaBoys
4th of February, Auckland Town Hall
Celebrate your weekend with ‘90s pop royalty at the iconic Auckland City Hall. This is their 25th anniversary party, it is time to celebrate.
Tickets
Auckland Lantern Festival 2023
2nd-4th February, Auckland, Manukau Super Bowl
The iconic Auckland Lantern Festival makes its return. We have missed the sea of 100s of Chinese lanterns on display. Enjoy cultural music, dance performances, food stalls, and of course the spectacular fireworks display.
Summer Sessions At the Basin
Saturday 4th March, Basin Reserve, Mt Cook, Wellington.
A new summer festival with some of NZ’s top musicians. What is so unique to this festival is the champagne, gin and cocktail bars that will provide that classy touch to your weekend. The beverage options don’t finish there with craft beer, ciders, seltzers and fine wine also available.
Tickets
South Island
Fat Boy Slim
4th February, Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Winery
Spend your long weekend dancing as award winning UK DJ, Producer and Musician Fatboy Slim has made his way back to New Zealand. This is a guaranteed fun night out, with dancing from start to finish. Shows are beginning to sell out, so get in before you miss out.
Tickets
Beach Break
4th February, Nelson, Tahunanui reserve.
Shapeshifter has launched a brand new summer festival series in both Nelson and Whangamata. They will be supported by Kora, My Baby, as well as Muroki. This is a family friendly beach side affair with kids under 12 being free.
Tickets
Martinborough Fair
4th February, Martinborough, The Square
“One of the largest and most popular craft markets in the southern hemisphere”. The Martinborough Fair has been running since 1977, and now has over 400 stalls across the town. Staring from 8am.
