New Zealand National Day 2027
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About the event
The day is both celebration and debate, raising questions about partnership, sovereignty, language, land and how the treaty should shape modern New Zealand. New Zealand marks Waitangi Day on 6 February, the anniversary of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between Māori rangatira and the British Crown.
The formal ceremonies at the Bay of Islands site where the 1840 treaty was signed — attended by the prime minister and Māori leaders.
Why this day
New Zealand marks Waitangi Day on 6 February, the anniversary of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between Māori rangatira and the British Crown. It is the country's central national day and its most important treaty commemoration.
The day is both celebration and debate, raising questions about partnership, sovereignty, language, land and how the treaty should shape modern New Zealand.
Waitangi hosts dawn services, waka, speeches and cultural events. Across the country people attend community festivals, Māori performances, beach gatherings and family barbecues.
Timeline
- 1840Treaty of Waitangi signed
- 1907Dominion status proclaimed
- 1974Waitangi Day became a national holiday
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 5 Feb, check-out 7 Feb 2027 — 2 nights around 6 February 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in WaitangiGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalWellington
- Time zoneNZST (UTC+12)
Host country
- Currency: New Zealand dollar
- Language: English, Maori
- Driving: on the left
- Capital: Wellington
- Phone: +64
- Emergency: 111
- Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs I
What to eat
Earth oven cooking — meat and vegetables wrapped in leaves and steamed underground over hot stones, a Māori celebration tradition.
New Zealand's beloved meringue dessert — topped with whipped cream and kiwifruit — disputed with Australia but deeply Kiwi.
New Zealand produces some of the world's finest grass-fed lamb — the centrepiece of any Kiwi outdoor celebration.
Delicate tiny fish from West Coast rivers mixed into an egg batter and pan-fried — a seasonal New Zealand delicacy.
Māori potato sourdough bread — made with a fermented potato starter and baked in a round loaf.
New Zealand's green and gold kiwifruit — the national fruit, eaten fresh or used in pavlova toppings.
What to drink
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — the wine that put New Zealand on the global map, intensely aromatic and crisp.
Lemon and Paeroa — New Zealand's own soft drink, a lemon soda made from a Waikato mineral spring. "World Famous in New Zealand."
New Zealand's own claim to the flat white alongside Australia — strong espresso with smooth steamed milk.
Culture & traditions
The formal ceremonies at the Bay of Islands site where the 1840 treaty was signed — attended by the prime minister and Māori leaders.
The Māori war dance — performed by sports teams worldwide and at national ceremonies, an expression of identity and challenge.
Kapa haka — Māori song, dance and chant — performed at Waitangi Day events to assert Māori identity and presence.
Rugby union is New Zealand's national sport — the All Blacks are the most successful test team in history and a source of immense pride.
Coming years
New Zealand National Day 2028
- Sunday 6 February 2028Next event date
New Zealand National Day 2029
- Tuesday 6 February 2029Event date
New Zealand National Day 2030
- Wednesday 6 February 2030Event date