Waitangi Festival 2026

Every year, people of all communities and backgrounds gather at Waitangi to commemorate the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi and The Treaty of Waitangi.

The Waitangi Festival includes the famous dawn ceremony on Waitangi Day, stalls (arts, crafts, kai), speaking forums, kapa haka, live music, games, activities for the kids, and more.

View the full Waitangi Festival programme

Accessibility

• Be aware that the Treaty Grounds have varying landscapes and accessways, including boardwalks, concrete paths, tracks, beaches and lawns. The varying terrain can be difficult for people with restricted mobility to navigate.

• There is a wheelchair accessible path that runs from the Treaty Grounds entrance to the Upper Treaty Grounds.

• There will be NZSL interpreters for the three pōwhiri at Te Whare Rūnanga, the dawn ceremony, the church service, and the forums on 5-6 February.

• View the Treaty Grounds access guide to get an understanding of the environment and facilities.

• The D*List put together an access guide last year that includes some helpful information about getting to Waitangi and navigating the Treaty Grounds. Check out the D*List website.

View the Waitangi Festival map