Smooth sailing for Waitangi celebrations

Waitangi week is here and plans are in place to ensure everything runs smoothly.

There could be as many as 100,000 people attending Waitangi Day celebrations on Thursday and our hosts are urging everyone to bring along a positive and respectful attitude, embracing the spirit of manaakitanga (generosity) and kotahitanga (unity) to ensure everyone enjoys this wonderful event.

Arriving early is a great way to ensure you get the best spot and make the most of the day. A few important things to remember: a water bottle (fountains will be available), a hat, sunscreen, and an umbrella to stay comfortable. Don’t forget your beach chair, snacks, and most importantly, your whānau and friends to share in the fun.

Please leave your pets at home, the Waitangi Estate is a kiwi habitat. The estate is also a no smoking or vaping area.

Council contractors, CityCare will be providing extra services in the Waitangi-Paihia area from 4 to 6 February (8am to 9pm) to support the expected influx of visitors. They will have a dedicated group focused only on Waitangi for the week. This team will regularly clear the approximately 60 town litter bins and service our five toilet facilities. A water truck will also be on standby on Haruru Falls Road for dust suppression when needed on Waitangi Day.

With accommodation in the area expected to be fully booked, campers are urged to consider options within driving distance of Waitangi and Paihia, or in and around Russell as extra ferries will be running. For health and safety reasons and to ensure the free flow of the many visitors to Waitangi, camping along the Waitangi foreshore and on council reserves will not be permitted during the week.

To have a stress-free day, make use of the free visitor parking available at Bledisloe Domain and beside the ITM at Haruru. Don’t worry, there will be an overflow carpark at the old Haruru airfield too! A free shuttle bus service will take all those using the free carparks to Waitangi and back to the car parks from 3 to 6 February.

During the week traffic controls are in place in areas outside the treaty grounds, so please follow directions and signs. For health and safety reasons anyone parking in unauthorised spaces will have their vehicles towed.

You can view the 2025 full programme of events here.