After nine days, the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty), which began in the Far North and South of New Zealand, has reached Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington.

Thousands of people are expected in the capital on Tuesday as police appeal for public safety, respect, and peace.

Thousands have joined the hikoi from the Far North and South of Aotearoa. Photo/RNZ/Peter de Graaf

The hīkoi opposes the Treaty Principles Bill and the Government's policies affecting Māori.

The hīkoi will gather at Parliament's steps to protest the controversial ACT Party's Bill.

Māori Queen Nga wai hono i te po is reportedly among supporters of the national hīkoi.

Critics say the proposed legislation diminishes Māori rights and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi's (The Treaty of Waitangi) original purpose.

Māori Queen Nga wai hono i te po is expected at Tuesday's hīkoi. Photo/supplied

Outrage erupted across Aotearoa as the Bill passed its first reading in Parliament last week, fueling concerns ACT leader David Seymour's Bill would cause mass division.

Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke broke into a chant and haka during the debate, which resulted in her being suspended from the House for 24 hours.

What you need to know

Expect delays if you are in Wellington or plan to travel to Pōneke on Tuesday, officials say.

The Golden Mile will be closed, and major bus routes will be detoured as the hīkoi gather at Waitangi Park near Te Papa before heading to Parliament.

While there have not been any reported significant incidents from the hīkoi, police estimate 30,000 people in central Wellington. However, organisers say it could be more.

Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke rips at the Treaty Principles Bill, proposed by ACT Party leader David Seymour. Photo/RNZ

Police have urged those participating in Tuesday's hīkoi to stay safe, be respectful and peaceful.

Wellington Free Ambulance will be on-site at Waitangi Park.

Motorists are advised to plan and take extra caution on the roads.

Wellington City Council says motorists should expect significant delays through the city centre.

“If you are trying to get from the Kāpiti Coast to the [Wellington] airport or from Hutt Valley to the airport, you should think about starting one or two hours earlier than you would normally do."

Rail lines are open during the day, with increased capacity expected between 9am and 3pm.

Watch advocate, unionist, and former lawyer Lisa Meto Fox's reaction to the proposed Bill.

From 9am, the Golden Mile of Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis St, Lambton Quay, and the Wellington Bus Interchange will be closed to all vehicles, including buses.

Bowen and Molesworth streets will also be closed as the hīkoi nears Parliament.

Vehicles will be detoured along Cable St and the waterfront quays of Waterloo, Customhouse, and Jervois. Temporary bus stops are available at Featherston St at Waring Taylor St.

Route 22 to and from Victoria University is being cancelled. Route 22 services to Johnsonville will begin on Taranaki St at Vivian St (outside Briscoes) and detour via Ghuznee St and The Terrace.

Once the hīkoi has reached Parliament, alternate stops will open on Lambton Central (near Farmers), Featherston St, and Brandon St.

Kairākau leads the hikoi through the Far North. Photo/RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Route 2, 4, 22, and 24 services will also detour via The Terrace.

Bus and train commuters are urged to visit the Metlink website or app for the latest travel information.

NZ Transport Agency says it will monitor the impact of the hīkoi on the Greater Wellington network and provide real-time updates for road users on any delays or disruptions to state highways.

Health NZ Te Whatu Ora says people heading to Wellington Regional Hospital on Tuesday morning or early afternoon should allow extra time to get to their appointments.

Wellington City Council says toilet facilities between Waitangi Park and outside Parliament are available.

Portaloos are at the Barnett St car park next to Waitangi Park, Waitangi Park near the basketball court, opposite New World Supermarket, and at Parliament (between the Bee Hive and the bus station).

Toilets at the St James Theatre on Courtenay Place are also available from 9.30am until 2.30pm.

Fixed public toilets are on the outskirts of Waitangi Park, in Courtenay Place opposite Blair St, and at the Wellington Station Bus interchange near Parliament.

When the hīkoi reaches the Bee Hive, the government will be given a wero (challenge).

Following the event, organisers say they will march or convoy back to Waitangi Park for some kai, a concert, karakia, and farewell.

More information can be found on the Wellington City Council, Metlink, and NZTA websites.

The hīkoi reaches the Hastings Civic Square on Saturday. Photo/RNZ/Pokere Paewai