HĪKOI KI WAITANGI
3 - 6 FEBRUARY 2026

HĪKOI KI WAITANGI

As New Zealanders, Waitangi sits at the heart of our identity. It’s where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed; and it’s home to the people who welcomed New Zealand’s first Christian missionaries. The stories of Waitangi are our stories; they are your stories.

Karuwhā aims to help people experience the commemorations, and to form their own connection to this place and these narratives. The Karuwha rōpū have been making this journey for many years now and have been welcomed back by the whānau of Te Tii Marae.

This haerenga is held annually over the Waitangi Commemorations, and is an invitation to experience Waitangi first-hand: to serve alongside tāngata whenua, visit significant sites and spend time listening to stories of our past from kaumatua, kuia and historians.

It is a very active programme and a reasonable level of fitness will be required.

What will this Hīkoi include?

• Visit Oihi Bay where Ruatara invited Samuel Marsden to preach his famous Christmas Day message in 1814
• Participate in a pōwhiri at Te Tii Marae
• Work alongside the hau kāinga (the people of Te Tii Marae) as they host, by serving in the kitchen, car parking, cleaning etc.
• Witness the build-up to Waitangi Day, hear the political conversations, and participate in the commemorations
• Attend the Waitangi Day Dawn Service
• Connect and kōrero with others from across Aotearoa over shared meals and time in the Karuwhā marquee.
• Visit historic Churches

Accomodation:
You are welcome to camp with us at the Waitangi Holiday Park (we will have a group booking): $54 per night per person.

If you’d prefer an alternative option you will need to booking your own batch/hotel as soon as your application is confirmed.

Applications:
Our capacity is 110 people and everyone needs to submit an application form. Group size is limited to 10 people, to allow a mix of people to join in. A pre-Waitangi hui will also be required for preparation, happening in January.

Applications for 2026 will open in September.

Email your interest