Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Pēwhairangi / the Bay of Islands is the most symbolically important place in New Zealand. As the site where New Zealand’s founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840, it is fundamental to New Zealand’s cultural identity and its origins as a modern nation state. It is also significant for its direct connections with nationally important constitutional events preceding the treaty, including residence of the first British government representative, James Busby (1833); adoption of New Zealand’s first national flag, Te Kara (1834); and the signing of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tirene / The Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand (1835). A place of national commemoration since the 1930s, Waitangi continues to be a pivotal place for engaging with ideas of nationhood and national identity; and remains a touchstone to many New Zealanders for its links with the aims and aspirations of the treaty.
You do not need to enter the Treaty Grounds to complete this Virtual, but we would highly recommend that you do take the tour through this historic site.
To complete this Virtual, please read the brass plaques on either side of the main entrance area, and answer these simple questions and take a photo:
From the Heritage New Zealand plaque, what month was this listed?
From the Waitangi National Reserve plaque, what year is mentioned?
Please send the answers to us (message or email), and do not include them in your online Log. No need to wait for a reply before logging.
In your Log please include a photo showing either yourself or your caching name outside the main entrance, or anywhere recognisable within the Treaty Grounds.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.