Celebrate our national day on 6 February and visit 15 staffed properties that Heritage New Zealand cares for. Entry is free, with special events planned at some of the properties.  

There's some amazing stories to share, so come along, be part of our heritage and make a day of it with family and friends. Pick up a copy of our special Waitangi Day commemorative booklet.

You never know who you might meet!

https://www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/events/waitangi-day-free-entry

Northland:

Mangungu Mission

10am - 4pm, free admission

Site of the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. See the table on which the Treaty was signed and imagine the huge gathering of over 3000 people and hundreds of waka on that day.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Clendon House

10am - 4pm, free admission

Home of James Reddy Clendon, and his second wife Jane. Their home and story sheds light on the early colonial politics of Northland. James Clendon was one of the few Europeans who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags

Pompallier Mission and Printery

10am - 5pm, last admission at 4.30pm.  Free admission

Explore the Printery and Tannery building and beautiful gardens.  Guided tours of the site at 11am and 2pm. Browse in our French–themed shop and enjoy coffee and croissants from our pop-up café (own cost), with views across the bay.  Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Kerikeri Mission Station - the Stone Store and Kemp House

10am - 5pm, last admission at 4.30pm. Free admission

Perfect place for a family day out, Kerikeri Mission Station has it all.  Guided tours of the site including Kemp House at 11am and 2pm. Numbers limited. 

The Honey House Café and the Stone Store shopping experience are operating as usual.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Te Waimate Mission

10am - 5pm, last admission at 4.30pm.  Free admission

Explore the Mission House at New Zealand's first farm.  Bring a picnic to have under the trees.  A great family day out in a beautiful historic place.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Auckland:

Highwic

10am - 4pm, free admission

Anyone for lawn croquet?   A lovely place to spend Waitangi Day. Enjoy our beautiful gardens, bring your own picnic.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flag.Devonshire Tea available for $8.00 per person. 

Alberton

10am - 4pm, free admission

Relax in the sun on the gracious lawns or verandahs. Bring a picnic to enjoy under the trees. Anyone for lawn croquet, quoits or stilt-walking? 

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Ewelme Cottage

10am - 4pm, free admission

In the heart of Parnell, you'll find a modest cottage once home to Vicesimus Lush, Vicar of Howick.   Ewelme’s original interiors and furnishings remain intact, and the house is filled with many family possessions that provide a fascinating glimpse into their interests and occupations of a colonial family. The tranquil cottage garden is a lovely place to linger and enjoy the birdsong.

Coromandel:

Thames School of Mines

10am - 3pm, free admission

It’s a school – learn all there is to know about gold and how to find it!  The museum houses one of the largest rock and mineral collections in the Southern Hemisphere. Free tours at 11am and 3pm. Love our rock shop – take home a beautiful gem!

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Wellington:

Old Government Buildings

10am - 4pm, free admission

Completed in 1876, the building marks the establishment of the nation’s central government and in its heyday contained the entire public service. It's one of the great timber buildings of the world - and our first smoke-free workplace.

Tours: OGB Social and Political History
10am – 11am; 11.30 – 12.30; 1pm – 2pm; 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Tours cost $5 each.

Kaikoura:

Fyffe House

10am - 5pm, free admission (grounds only, conservation work precludes the house being open)

Standing pretty in pink in a proud location on Kaikoura’s peninsula, Fyffe House is all that is left of the once-busy Waiopuka whaling station. Its stories are evocatively told through artefacts, dioramas and in the whalebone foundations. Learn about the conservation work, and enjoy a picnic on the large, welcoming lawn.

Flags Flying!  Display:The Story of our Flag.

North Otago (near Oamaru):

Totara Estate

10am - 4pm, free admission

Yes! The birthplace of one of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar industries is right here in this idyllic rolling countryside. Discover the story as you explore the site. For a fabulous view over the rich farmland of north Otago, climb Sebastopol Hill next door.

Flags Flying!  Display:The Story of our Flag.  

Farmhouse Tea available for $5.00 per person.  Visit nearby Clarks Mill for free also.

Clarks Mill

10am - 4pm, free admission

Explore four floors of this historic flour mill, still in working order.   The machinery will not operate today - please check the Clarks Mill website for details of when you may see the machinery in operation.

Visit nearby Totara Estate for free also.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

Central Otago:

Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead

10am - 5pm, free admission

The story of Ernest and Hannah Hayes will inspire you. The evidence of their innovations and hard work are everywhere on this site.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flag.

Hannah’s Café operating as usual. Time for a great family day out.

Ophir Post Office

9am - 12pm, free admission

Run by women for over 100 years, the post mistress still offers stamps, mail and an update on the State of the Nation. Buy a postcard and stamp, then frank it yourself with a truly historic relic!

Talk and tours of the post office and quaint surrounds throughout the day.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.