Bay of Islands hotels may be the perfect place to stay during Waitangi Day and the festival that celebrates it this weekend.

The public holiday is held every February 6th and marks the first signing of the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840 by Maori and British officials.

It is on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds that overlook the Bay of Islands which were given to New Zealand by original owners Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932, where the biggest events take place.

"Waitangi Day is a generally optimistic focus for debate on national identity and multiculturalism in New Zealand and at the Treaty Grounds a peaceful family-oriented celebration prevails," the Waitangi Natural Trust stated.

Some of the most high profile celebration will happen at Waitangi, which lies over the Waitangi River bridge, but outside of Treaty grounds, events will also be held at Te Tii Marae and Tii Beaches.

Those who want to learn more about the day and New Zealand history could have a look around the grounds, where they will find Maori meeting place Te Whare Runanga and Maori ceremonial war canoe Ngatokimatawhaorua among the attractions.

Book your Stay at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands



03/02/2012