President Jill Larrivee said it was beyond their expectations.
Activities were arranged in small groups so people could participate in throughout the day. These included a tour of Lake Te Anau with historian Ken Bradley, flax weaving sessions with Des Cooper and a paddle with Te Piritahi-a-rua Waka Ama, of Invercargill Waihopai, on Lake Te Anau.
"The cruise tours of Lake Te Anau was well supported by the public with most of it being booked out and people have been paddling with the Waka Ama out on Lake Te Anau consistently throughout the day,
"It has been awesome to see families and friends out here enjoying themselves," Mrs Larrivee said yesterday.
Kapa haka group Nga Herenga Waka came from Invercargill. Spokesman Sonny Tonihi said they had a team of nine.
"All of the performers are passionate about kapa haka and wanted to come and support the day. The day has been brilliant. They have done us proud, the kaupapa [principles of Waitangi day] and our people proud."
He acknowledged the efforts of the trust who organised the event.
The day was funded by sponsors and organisations within the area, as well as national organisations.
Today screenings of Moana and the New Zealand film Cousins will be held at Fiordland Cinema , as well as introduction to flax weaving sessions guided by local weaver Des Cooper.
