Hundreds of New Zealand ex-pats took to the streets of London to show off their Kiwi pride and celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The anual Waitangi Day Pub Crawl, which began at 10am Saturday London time, is descibed as an event to bring the New Zealander ex-pat community closer and reminise about the homeland.

The highlight every year is the Kiwiana costumes donned by revellers, and 2018 was no different.

Costumes ranged from Pink Batts to jandals and New Zealand chocolate bars.

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This year there were multiple pregnant Jacinda Ardern costumes.

Pregnant Jacinda Ardern costumes were popular as Kiwis abroad celebrated Waitangi in London. Even Paddy Gower has gone global! Photo / Alica Mark
Pregnant Jacinda Ardern costumes were popular as Kiwis abroad celebrated Waitangi in London. Even Paddy Gower has gone global! Photo / Alica Mark
Posted by Phil Waddell on Sunday, 4 February 2018

Happy Waitangi Pub Crawl from London!

Posted by Natassia Painter Snell on Saturday, 3 February 2018

Tui ads were also a popular feature, with one New Zealander deciding to take a cheeky pot shot at Australians.



One man would have made Leigh Hart proud by donning the Speedo Cop outfit during the cold England winter.

One Kiwi braved the cold English weather wearing only a police uniform and speedos, the uniform worn on Moon TV's Speedo Cops show in New Zealand. Photo / Alicia Mark
One Kiwi braved the cold English weather wearing only a police uniform and speedos, the uniform worn on Moon TV's Speedo Cops show in New Zealand. Photo / Alicia Mark

Shortland Street's Chris Warner and TK made a ''guest appearance'', posing with a police officer during one of the stop-offs.

Chris warner & TK, Waitangi Day pub crawl 2018 #shortiestreet

Posted by Chris Farrant on Sunday, 4 February 2018

The party wasn't without New Zealand's finest piece of footwear, the jandal.

You know it isn't a true Kiwi party without someone wearing jandals. Photo / Alicia Mark
You know it isn't a true Kiwi party without someone wearing jandals. Photo / Alicia Mark

New Zealand's finest fizzy drink L&P helped fuel the troops.

Waitangi day pub crawl

Posted by Terry Sharples on Sunday, 4 February 2018

In true Kiwi fashion, a good old-fashioned game of rugby broke out on the streets, stopping traffic.


New Zealand children's presenter, Suzy Cato, also featured in costume ideas; two lads donned the Suzy's World jumper with blonde locks flowing down their faces.


With revellers needing to fuel up on food, these Kiwi chocolate bars came to the rescue!

Alicia Mark, left, can't get enough of some of New Zealand's finest chocolate. She told the Herald police were welcoming and keen for the Waitangi pub crawl to run smoothly. Photo / Alicia Mark
Alicia Mark, left, can't get enough of some of New Zealand's finest chocolate. She told the Herald police were welcoming and keen for the Waitangi pub crawl to run smoothly. Photo / Alicia Mark

Following the day-long event, former Auckland resident Rikki told the Herald the atmosphere was electric with a great vibe.

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"Everyone was in great spirits, there was no drama or any issues that I saw. The highlights was the dress-ups.

"The Nek Minnit costume was gold and the Kiwi chants, music and pies were awesome.

"Police were visable but very friendly. There were purely there for safety and none of them power-tripped. They were happy to take photos and made sure everyone had a great time."

Having experienced multiple Waitangi events in New Zealand, the London pub crawl was Rikki's first Waitangi overseas experience.

He said Waitangi appeared to have a different meaning for New Zealanders overseas.

"Waitangi Day seems to be more of a celebration of Kiwiana overseas without the political issues of back home," he told the Herald.

"The pub crawl event has hundreds and thousands of good-hearted people just wanting to celebrate being a Kiwi."

Another reveller said: "Maybe back home it's different, but definitely when you go overseas you realise how special New Zealand and being a Kiwi is."

It is understood only one arrest has been made in the past five years of the Waitangi pub crawl, according to the event organisers.