Got to be the best cultural experience in our little country. Authentic, honest, beautiful and just one of those places you have to go as a kiwi. Can't recommend it highly enough. The tour guides are awesome and not something I normally go for, but so worth it.
Expensive ($50 each) to access, but for that you get an informative guided tour, and if the times line up, a live Maori show. The tour was pleasant, and one gets to walk along boardwalks and covered walkways. Fabulous views of the bay from the top. The newly opened veterans museum is worth checking out too. Nice gift shop.
Really beautiful set up and smart placements of historical artifacts and information. It's not an in and out kind of thing, I would allocate at least a few hours for the best experience. Our tour guide was funny and really easy to listen to and you get a tour with your admission ticket. The waka collection out near the beach was my favourite part. Also recommend going to the Maori Carver who carves music instruments and other really cool things.
Beautiful location and very informative guide. You get a wireless headset so you don't have to be close to the guide to hear what he's saying. The history is fascinating and there's plenty to see. Only disappointment was not seeing the actual treaty (or even a copy of it), seems a rather large omission to an otherwise excellent tour.
We had little idea of what to expect but were blown away by this beautiful cultural experience. Our guide during the tour was excellent, the performance amazing & to be able to get photos with the performers & have them answer questions was most informative. We returned the following day just to pick up what we missed the day prior. A very important part of NZ history that must continue to be funded for all the world to experience when visiting the Bay of Islands.