The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. The Treaty Grounds are part of the 506 hectare (1000 acre) Waitangi National Trust estate, which was gifted to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932. Features of the Treaty Grounds include: The Treaty House - built for the first British Resident, James Busby and his family. It is one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes. Te Whare Runanga - fully carved Maori Meeting House, which is representative of all Iwi (regional tribes) in New Zealand. Ngatokimatawhaorua - one of the world's largest Maori ceremonial war canoes.