Waitangi Day 2026: What to Do, See and Eat
Waitangi Day is a significant national holiday in Aotearoa, which marks the anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840. Many Kiwis love taking advantage of the summer vibes. It’s a day where the barbecue sizzles, L&P cans crack open, and many Kiwis get outside and spend time with their loved ones. If you are feeling a little stuck on how to best spend the day, we have put together some fun things you and the whanau can do, see, and eat this Waitangi Day.
What to Do
Road Trip!
Waitangi Day 2026 falls on a Friday, unlocking a long weekend for Kiwis and is the perfect opportunity to jump in the car with your loved ones and explore! Take a road trip to a new or old favourite destination to change your scenery.
Beach Day
Slap on the sunscreen, pop on a hat, and grab the beach umbrella! It’s the perfect weather for a beach day. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and pop on your togs. There is no better time of year than to find the best spot on the beach, roll out that picnic blanket, and spend hours swimming, reading in the sun, building sandcastles, and watching the world go by.
Arts and Crafts
If you prefer to stay out of the sun, an arts and crafts day can be just as sweet. It can be a great way to involve the kids, too. Most shops are open on Waitangi Day, so you can always collect your supplies on the day. Grab some canvas and paints, modelling clay, or crochet needles and wool. Pop on a movie, some music, or your favourite podcast, or invite friends around and catch up with them while you craft.
What to See
A Museum
Another perfect indoor activity for a hot summer’s day. There are plenty of awesome museums across the motu, where you can learn about New Zealand’s history and heritage, and about the animals and wildlife that have crossed our land. If you are in Auckland, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which has free entry for all Auckland residents.
In Wellington, visit the famous Te Papa Museum, home to over two million objects from art, natural history, New Zealand histories, mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), and Pacific cultures. The entry for TePapa is free for all New Zealanders and would make for an interesting and interactive way to learn about our history on such a significant day. Additionally, join the free Waitangi Day Hīkoi walking tour from Auckland Art Gallery, spotlighting Māori public artworks along Queen Street's historic stream path. Waiheke Island's Waiheke Art Gallery hosts Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Kotahitanga (Feb 6-Mar 22), a vibrant show of contemporary Aotearoa artists on unity, tied to Ngāti Pāoa mana whenua. Hamilton's Waitangi Day Festival at Waikato Museum offers tours, crafts, and Treaty workshops.
A National Park
Aotearoa has an abundance of national parks and regional parks to explore. Think hiking trails through dense bush surrounded by the cacophony of tui and other birdsong. Or, relaxing on a protected beach and tucking into a meal. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is an excellent destination for hiking. Tāwharanui Regional Park, just an hour drive from Auckland, offers waves perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing, and rock pools large and deep enough to swim in. In the South Island, consider Fiordland National Park for hikes, waterfalls, and boat rides or national parks in the North Island like Tongariro provide reflective hikes amid volcanic landscapes, echoing Māori heritage.
What to Eat
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It's perfect for cocktails and catch-ups with friendsYou need to try coming for a burger but staying for the vibesLook out for $3 oysters and $10 bubbles on FridaysRead morePerfect for a slow summer evening in Auckland, enjoying the sunset and bubbles with loved ones. Airy alfresco dining pairs with the palm trees, relaxed atmosphere, and tasty burgers.
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It's perfect for refined Filipino and Spanish flavours with a side of city buzz.You need to try the taco pao or sizzling pork belly.Look out for colourful plates, local wines and serious hospitality.Read moreA seamless and creative blend of Spanish and Filipino cuisine, featuring colour, tang, and plenty of rich flavour. The Auckland restaurant prides itself on storytelling through its unique dishes. It’s a great choice for a Waitangi Day feast.
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It's perfect for rooftop cocktails and sunny afternoon hangs in the capital.You need to try house made pizzas and slushy cocktailsLook out for leafy rooftop vibes, fairy lights and skyline snaps.Read moreHoisted above the bustling Wellington city streets, the Arborist offers a chic rooftop dining experience. Offering perfect spots to watch the sunset and catch up with loved ones over a cocktail and a comfort meal, the Arborist is a great summer’s evening restaurant, perfect for Waitangi Day.
Can’t get enough of summer dining?We've rounded up the best spots in Christchurch for a long lunch.
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Read moreJust a stone’s throw from Wellington, Moy Hall Wines is an enchanting lunch spot. With sprawling vineyards, vivid green dining spaces, and plenty of wine tasting options, you are in for a true treat.
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It's perfect for late‑night hangs with friends, cocktails and live music that keeps the night buzzing.You need to try the bourbon‑glazed pork ribs, chicken and waffles or the tuna sliders—they’re solid crowd‑pleasers.Look out for their insane whiskey collection, tasty craft beers and upbeat bands.Read moreKnown for its bold flavours and dishes inspired by Southern USA. With live music, cocktails, a mighty whisky collection, and a range of craft beers, Boo’s Bar in Christchurch crafts a buzzy evening perfect for spending with loved ones.
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It's perfect for brunch dates, catch-ups or pretending you live in a charming heritage villa.You need to try the pork belly or Eggs Benny with a mimosa. Big portions and even bigger flavour.Look out for the sun-soaked courtyard, crackling fireplace and heritage vibes with zero stuffiness.Read moreThis charming heritage villa is the perfect backdrop for a brunch in the garden. Ensconced in lush greenery, the Old Vicarage in Christchurch radiates a warm, breezy, and down-to-earth ambience and serves a range of delicious breakfast and lunch dishes.
Want to keep the good vibes going?Try one of our best outdoor dining spots in Wellington.
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Read moreSoaked in golden hour glow, this romantic dinner spot overlooks Queenstown’s iconic mountains and a serene lake. The old country-luxe charm offers an elegant twist on your Waitangi Day dining experience, featuring a menu that showcases local ingredients grown in the garden. Be sure to try the slow-cooked venison paired with a glass of Central Otago pinot.
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Read morePerched right on the lake overlooking the mountains, this alfresco dining spot in the heart of Queenstown offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious fresh food. Specialising in seafood, tender Prime New Zealand Beef and Southland Lamb, you are in for a feast of Kiwi produce from the land and the sea.
Soak up more of Queenstown’s finest with these
