Queenstown was the centre of activity for the first time, as Otago and Southland Ngai Tahu held Waitangi Day commemorations there.
A morning processsion, haka and speeches drew a 1500-strong crowd.
The scene was smaller in Te Anau which held its own celebrations at the Te Anau Lions Park.
In Dunedin, crowds filled the upper Octagon for celebrations which included bands, kapa haka groups and games.
For lunch, a trailer carrying 200 trays of meat and vegetables, cooked in the earth of the Araiteuru Marae, arrived.
After that the scramble began.
Hungry diners rushed to get tickets and the line curved up on the grass and out to the footpath.
After 10 minutes every tray was gone.
Young Jack (2), who sat on the grass gnawing on a piece of corn, was one of the lucky ones.
"It's such cool experience."
Co-organiser Tania Williams said even the people who prepared it were not able to have any.
"You've got to take care of everyone else."
Cruise ship passengers boosted crowd numbers, which reached 500 at one point, she said.
"They were dropped off here in the Octagon and our good vibes were able to draw people in."
The crowd stayed longer this year, she said.
"It was really successful. I'm really happy with the energy and unity that was displayed by everybody here."
A central message yesterday was Maori ancestors did not sign the English version of the Treaty, she said.
"It's not about blame but about realising that and opening up a doorway for dialogue."
