The eatery at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Whare Waka Cafe, has closed because of declining domestic visitors.
The “iconic” cafe at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds has closed after a drop in domestic visitors, which operators say is due to high fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures.
After more than a decade at the historic site, Whare Waka Cafe announced on social media that its final day was May 12.
“As this door closes, another will always open,” the post said.
“While it’s bittersweet, we’re excited to see what the future holds — for this space and for the amazing staff who brought it to life every day.”
The cafe was a popular, picturesque spot at the birthplace of the nation, offering standard cafe fare as well as hosting hāngī, weddings and other events.
It is unclear how many staff, if any, have lost their jobs or whether they will be absorbed in other parts of the Treaty Grounds business, which includes two museums, a shop, guided tours, and Māori cultural performances.
Waitangi National Trust Board chief executive Ben Dalton said it had been a difficult decision to close the cafe.
The trust would be “thinking through” all options for its food and beverage offerings moving forward, he said.
“In the meantime, we are still open for visitors every day and we have our onsite coffee cart open.
“We are seeing a decline in domestic visitors, no doubt influenced by the fuel crisis and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“And this was a contributing factor to our decision to close the cafe at this time.”
Former Waitangi National Trust chairman and Ngāti Hine leader Pita Tipene said the cafe closure was sad to hear.
“It’s an iconic cafe within the precinct of what is a very significant national taonga [treasure].
“When people go there, they like to slow down, get a coffee, have a meal and enjoy the wairua [spirit] of the place.
“When you visit Waitangi, having food and a place for people to meet and talk is really important as part of manaakitanga [hospitality, kindness, and generosity].”
Tipene, who was a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board for nine years before stepping down in June 2025, said the Whare Waka Cafe’s demise was “an indication of the pressure on our cafes and the tourism and hospitality sectors in particular”.
“We have to be focusing as a region ... on bringing more tourists and stimulating more domestic visitations to Waitangi and Northland.
“It has to be a top priority for all of us.
“It really is an indication of how everyone is struggling – we have to lift our efforts more.”
Northland Inc head of destination Ben Chapman said Waitangi remained one of Aotearoa’s most significant international and domestic visitor destinations.
“... Paihia and the wider Bay of Islands continue to offer an incredibly strong range of hospitality and visitor experiences.
“Tourism businesses across the region are continuing to adapt to changing market conditions while delivering the welcoming, high-quality experiences Northland is known for.”
Chapman said recent data showed a 13.9% increase in international guest nights for the Far North in the year ending March 2026.
“However, the domestic market remains more challenging, with many New Zealanders continuing to navigate cost pressures and changing travel behaviour,” he said.
Hospitality businesses in Northland are facing intense economic pressure, leading to a noticeable number of cafe and business closures, reduced operating hours, and liquidations.
In Whangārei, a new Mayoral Inner City Taskforce has been set up as handfuls of central businesses close their doors, citing falling foot traffic and a preference for online services.
The first taskforce meeting in March included about 30 people from key agencies, community partners and businesses and was convened by Whangārei District Council.
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.