New Zealanders can now visit the Treaty of Waitangi grounds free of charge, but overseas visitors will still need to pay.
Former All Black Sid Going on Wednesday had the honour of being the first to enter the grounds without having to pay the $12 entry fee.
Overseas visitors must pay $20 for a two-day pass.
Waitangi National Trust chief executive Jeanette Richardson said the grounds host nearly a quarter of a million visitors annually.
"The financial guidance of trust boards since 1932 and, more recently, the expertise of a dedicated executive team, have brought us to this point where from today we can welcome home our own people free of charge," she said.
The celebrations this morning began with karakia led by kaumatua Wiremu Wiremu, and after speeches from iwi and other local and national dignitaries, concluded with breakfast for invited guests in the new treetops boardroom.
The trust was criticised last year by Labour MP Shane Jones for charging people to visit the site known as the birthplace of the nation.
Today he said it was "gratifying" to see the board had conceded to the proposal.
The trust earlier said it wanted to make entry to Waitangi free for years, but it had received no government funding and it had taken time to build up finances.
