VIDEO - Planning on heading to Waitangi? Free shuttles available

Free parking and shuttle services will operate from the Haruru Falls township from tomorrow Tuesday 3 February to help manage large crowds, heavy traffic, and increased pedestrian activity in Waitangi.

Waitangi Day (and the days immediately leading up to 6 February) is the Far North’s biggest event of the year, with high visitor numbers dramatically swelling traffic and pedestrian volumes. Using free parking and shuttle services at nearby Haruru helps reduce congestion and keeps the area safer for locals and manuhiri.

Shuttles will depart from two Haruru locations, the large paddock next to Haruru ITM store with services to the Waitangi Waterfront, and Bledisloe Domain with services to Hobson’s Memorial in the upper Treaty Grounds.

Shuttle schedule is as follows:

Tuesday 3 February
* Haruru ITM to Waitangi waterfront
* 4am to 6pm

Wednesday 4 February
* Haruru ITM to Waitangi waterfront
* Bledisloe Domain to Hobson’s Memorial
* 8am to 6pm

Thursday 5 February
* Haruru ITM to Waitangi waterfront
* Bledisloe Domain to Hobson’s Memorial
* 8am to 7pm

Waitangi Day – Friday 6 February
* Haruru ITM to Waitangi waterfront
* Bledisloe Domain to Hobson’s Memorial
* 3am to 7pm.

Accessible shuttles will be available throughout this schedule, and a hoist-equipped mobility van will also operate on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 February between 9.30am and 3.30pm. A hoist can be arranged by calling or texting Andrew Nand from Parafed Northland on 027 661 1909.

Far North District Council will also run information stalls during the event, with Civic Engagement at the Lower Marae on Wednesday and Thursday, and the Libraries and Climate Action teams at the Waitangi Sports Fields on Friday. Come and have a chat with us to find out more about council projects planned for this triennium.