A historic land dispute dating back to the 1800s - is finally resolved

The Government's agreed to restore more than three-thousand hectares at the top of the South Island to descendants of the original owners, Te Tauihu Maori - with a 420-million-dollar payment.

It includes the Abel Tasman track and the Kaiteriteri reserve - with an agreement to maintain public access.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon says it's an honour to be there with Kaumatua Rore Stafford, who first raised this matter with the Crown 39 years ago.

He says Stafford knew this wrong should be righted - and it's finally happening.