Welcome to Bay of Islands
The founding point of New Zealand as we know it today, the Bay of Islands, was once a bustling political and seafaring base for European whalers, sealers and local Maori iwi (tribes) alike. Although remnants of New Zealand's native and colonial past are still visible wherever you go, today the Bay of Islands has a wide range of experiences to offer. Enjoy beaches, swimming spots, boating, fishing and watersports and see abundant sealife flourishing in natural surroundings.
The township of Waitangi is the site where in 1840, Maori chiefs and European representatives signed the papers that were to form our governing agreement, the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty House and a carved whare runanga (meeting house) mark the spot today. Fifteen minutes drive away is Kerikeri, an orchard town which is also a distinctly different cultural centre. Follow the arts and crafts trail or marvel at the magnificent Rainbow Falls and kauri forests with some of New Zealand's most ancient trees.
Enjoy the shops, cafes and vibrant beach-village lifestyle of Paihia or walk through the streets of Russell, New Zealand's first capital, and visit carefully preserved historic buildings. However, the peaceful atmosphere of Russell today belies the conflict of its past. Take a short walk up Maiki Hill to the site of the flagstaff symbolically cut down in protest by Maori chief Hone Heke in 1845, or spot the bulletholes that pepper the weatherboards of Christ Church, New Zealand's oldest surviving church.
Russell is reached most easily by ferry from Paihia, or the car ferry at Opua if you want to take your vehicle.
But a whole other world exists beyond the towns on the mainland. Take a cruise out to the myriad coves, islets and bays with deserted golden sand beaches - be sure to visit Cathedral Cave, Urupukapuka Island and Motuarohia (Robertson) Island.