Young children walked alongside elderly, while tourists strolled beside Hastings' and Napier's councillors.
Among those walking was Edward Timu, who said he loved being a part of the celebrations, which he felt were about people coming together.
Waiata's rang out as the group assembled under Clive Bridge, where Ngati Kahunungu chairman Ngawhiwi Tomoana shared the history of the site, and other dignataries spoke.
Onlookers peered over the bridge balistrades as Mayors Lawrence Yule and Bill Dalton joined Mr Graham in sharing the message that on Waitangi, "we can come together as one people".
A memorial stone to commemorate the events in Hawke's Bay 177 years ago was also unveiled.
Local kaumatua and organising committee chairman Tom Mulligan said unveiling the stone - their goal since 2000 - signifed the remembrance of the signing of the Treaty in Hawke's Bay.
This commemoration meant yesterday's hikoi had the "largest turnout" that Mr Mulligan could remember - including people of all ages, and cultures.
This was what Waitangi Day was about, he said.
"It's about the joining of all cultures, and celebrating Waitangi day because its not only a Maori thing...the Government of New Zealand signed the treaty, and the government includes all cultures."
While Mr Tomoana stressed the importance of reflecting on the past, he noted Waitangi was a day to celebrate, and move forward.
While she spoke of the progess Hawke's Bay had made in "partnership and understanding", Ikaraoa-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri highlighted the need to address issues facing the region - such as preserving its mana and awa (waterways).
Following the placement of the memorial stone, the group moved to the riverbank by Farndon Park, where members of the Hawke's Bay Geneology sociey were involved in a reenactment of the arrival of the first European settlers, escorted by tangata whenua.
Around 20 society members participated in the hikoi from Waitangi - dressed in full period costume.
Convener Margaret De La Haye said numbers attending the Waitangi ceremony had grown every year - they had been participating since the millenium.