Bay of Islands
The
Located 60 kilometres north-west of Whangarei, the
bay is a natural harbour with an irregular 16 kilometre wide inlet. Several
sections of the bay extend into the land, notably Waikare Inlet in the south
and Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets in the north-west. The small town of
Wherever you are in the
Not so long ago the
The famous British explorer, Captain James Cook, discovered
At the same time as establishing British law in
A Toilet in History
It's extraordinary that amid all the colonial history of this area in
the Kawakawa township you'll find the only building in the Southern hemisphere
designed by Austrian artist, Frederick Hundertwasser and the last of his
buildings before he died in 1999. Even more curious, it's the public toilet.
Activity Highlights
Country cafes, gourmet restaurants, kayaking, swimming with dolphins,
touching history, walking coastal tracks, seeing Maori war canoes, game
fishing, cruising, resting.
*
*Follow big game fisherman and American Western writer Zane Grey who
caught marlin here in 1921.
*Be guided through historic sites with story-telling.
*Feel the roar of noise at
*Walk along a red pohutukawa tree blossom-strewn golden sand beach.
*See whales, penguins, seals and listen to the songs of seabirds.
*Have a round of golf on the most majestic of courses.
*Ride a jet-ski in the hot sun, sit in the shade with an iced tea.
*Go swimming with dolphins, sailing, big game fishing and kayaking
*Visit Waitangi National Reserve, where the Treaty of Waitangi was
signed in 1840
*Look around Pompallier, in Russell, an original rammed earth Catholic
Missionary House
*Dive the Rainbow Warrior -
Over a thousand year ago, Kupe and his people had traveled thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean with only stars to guide them. With the passing of time, other races discovered Northland. In 1769 James Cook came to New Zealand, extensively charted both North and South Island and gave the Bay of Islands its present name. And it was in Northland in 1840 that all the inhabitants of New Zealand officially intertwined their lives with the signing of the "Treaty of Waitangi". It is the cradle of European civilization in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture for you to experience. Truly named, Bay of Islands is one of the finest cruising grounds in the world having incredible scenery. Captain Cook was said to have described this beautiful region as "very uncommon and romantic" and cruising the Bay of Islands proved him correct. It is the finest Maritime Park and a natural wonderland in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. The area is the warmest part of New Zealand - the average temp. is 24 degrees in summer and 16 degrees C in winter. The towns of Paihia and picturesque Russell are perfect places to wander amongst the many shops and restaurants along the waterfront. The Bay is the perfect base from which to explore further North. See the magnificent Kauri forests, awesome "90 Mile Beach", Cape Reinga - the top of New Zealand, craft shops of Kerikeri and great Golf Courses.
Paihia : Paihia is the Bay of Island's busiest town and largest
tourism centre in Northland. Everything is focused around visitors, with a
myriad of water cruises and scenic tours. Famous for scenic cruise to Cape Brett
(Hole in the Rock) and watching Dolphins. Its small population swells in summer
months with lots of anglers, deep sea fishermen, scuba divers, kayakers, and
myriad seafarers, dolphin lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Russell : Originally known as Kororareka, Russell was
also known as 'Hell hole of the Pacific' now transformed to "Romantic Russell".
Historic Russell was the capital New Zealand before it was shifted to Auckland
in 1840. Everything in Russell is within walking distance; in addition there is
a very frequent ferry service between Russell and Paihia.
Waitangi : It was here on 6th February 1840 that the
Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand's founding document) was signed outside the home
of James Busby, the British Governor and the country's first winemaker. His
residency was renamed Treaty House and became a national memorial in
1932.
90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga
: A must do visit tour for those who want to enjoy the magnificent
natural wonders of the North. You will be over-awed by the spectacular expand of
Ninety Mile Beach and the mystique of Cape Reinga. Thunder along Ninety Mile
Beach to the top of New Zealand and wander out to the lighthouse. Our daily
Tours depart year round from Paihia at 7.30 or 8.00 AM from Kerikeri, by Luxury
air-conditioned "Waverider" coaches with informative commentary by experienced,
friendly coach captains. During Cape Reinga visit there are numerous stops for
you to take the scenic highlights and activities including the grandeur of the
mighty Kauri Trees, Te Paki quicksand stream and gigantic sand dunes, as well as
Ancient Kauri Kingdom. This tour is available with a delicious barbeque lunch in
scenic Tapotupotu Bay.
Whangarei : Picturesque
Whangarei is Northland's largest city famous for its many parks and gardens. 5
Kms from the centre of town, the Whangarei Falls are amongst New Zealand's most
beautiful, dropping 26 meters over basalt cliffs into shimmering pools.
Tutukaka and the Poor Knights Islands : Tutukaka is the
diving and big game fishing Mecca of New Zealand. Poor Knights Islands, a
protected marine reserve for the last 22 years have been rated by the famous
Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 Dive Sites in the World. It has the
visibility up to 30m underwater allow the diver to see and enjoy spectacular,
rich and diverse tapestry of marine wildlife.
