The Okains Bay Museum Waitangi Day Commemorations has been a signature event on the New Zealand calendar since the year before the Museum opened in 1977.

The event is attended by local and national dignitaries including the Governor General's Representative. A highlight of the day is the paddling of the magnificent Ngāi Tahu waka, Kōtukumairangi on the Ōpara River.

Waitangi Day is the day that Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed between Māori rangatira (chiefs) and the British Crown. Waitangi Day was first commemorated by the museum in 1976 and the commemorations are the longest-running in Te Waipounamu/South Island. The museum grounds, the Ngāi Tahu reserve opposite the museum, and the entire Okains Bay heritage precinct is given over to the commemorations which typically attract several thousand visitors.

Entrance Adult: $10, Child under 13: Free when accompanied by an adult.
Please bring cash. No ATM is available.