The hīkoi arrives in Whangārei, on Monday evening, after the first day of travel towards Wellington.
Photo: RNZ/ Layla Bailey-McDowell

Large crowds came out to meet Te Hīkoi mō te Tiriti in Whangārei, the first city on its southward march, after it set off from Te Rerenga Wairua – Cape Reinga at first light on Monday.

Kapa haka groups greeted the visitors on the last leg of their journey for day 1, and many would stay at Whangārei marae overnight.

Along the way, vocal crowds turned out in Kawakawa, Kaitaia and Kerikeri, and in townships and along the way people stood on the sides of the road, waving flags, cheering and holding up placards.

While in Bluff, people taking part in the hīkoi there started off a series of meetings that will move north to Wellington to meet the North Island group.

See how the day unfolded here: