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Bay of Island
ALMOST ninety years ago an adventurer who was also one of the world's most popular authors rounded the headland of Cape Brett in what has been termed "the edge of the world", dolphins leaping through the crystal bow wave as he sailed past fabulous tropical islands. Zane Grey, whose tales of the Wild West have captivated millions of readers, was enthralled as he gazed at the beauty and spectacular scenery of the Bay of Islands, near the remote northernmost tip of New Zealand.
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The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. It is the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture for you to experience.
The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and can only be fully appreciated by cruising through the area. The area is the warmest part of New Zealand - temperatures average 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F in summer and 16 degrees C/ 61 degrees F in winter. |
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| Bay of Island |
The Bay Islands were apparently first discovered by Europeanw when Columbus first found them on the morning of the 30th of July, 1502, during his fourth voyage the the "New World"...at least it was "New" to Europeans. Sighting a high island covered with pines (Bonacca or Guanaja), the Admiral named it Isla de Piños, and claimed it, of course, for Spain. Eye-witness accounts of this discovery indicate that the islands in the Bay of Honduras were quite fertile and were densely populated at that time, and that the aborigines enjoyed a much higher developed civilization than those of the Greater Antilles, Cuba and Hispañola, from which Columbus had just sailed.
New Zealand was first discovered about 1000 years ago by the great Polynesian navigator Kupe who sailed here from his homeland Hawaiki. He named the islands Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Kupe returned to Hawaiki and left instruction on how to get here.
About 400 years later Maori arrived back in Aotearoa with seven great canoes and began to populate the North Island.
The Dutchman Abel Tasman landed in 1642, charted part of the coastline and named it Staten land, believing it was part of the Australian continent. When his mistake was discovered the country was renamed Nieuw Zeeland.
In 1769 James Cook came to New Zealand, extensively charted both North and South Island and gave the Bay of Islands its present name.
The Bay of Islands region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with the 144 Islands and secluded bays. The Bay has an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.
The maritime and historic park is the original cradle of European civilization and has fine examples of Maori culture.
The Bay with its pristine natural environment is the gathering place in the South Pacific for overseas sailing yachts on world cruises, international sport fishermen, golfers and marine enthusiasts. |
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| Bay of island
Paihia
Paihia Wharf is the base for scenic
cruises to the Hole in the Rock.
Paihia is known as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands. With shimmering safe waters and superb beaches Paihia is a good place to be based for your Bay of Islands experience.
Take a relaxing walk along unspoilt beaches, take a guided tour through historical sites or go fishing. If adventure is what you seek, perhaps try skydiving, parasailing, scuba diving or kayaking.
Paihia is the place of friendly locals, happy cafés and people enjoying life. Whether it is swimming with delightful dolphins, taking in a spot of retail therapy or just lazing under a tree, Paihia is the place for it.
Russell
A quick ferry ride across the water from Paihia is the charming, elegant township of Russell. This tranquil place was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century. Today Russell is still a favoured spot for boaties who seek safe anchorage.
The Catholic Mission "Pompallier" in Russell, is made from rammed earth.
Historic buildings to visit include the Catholic Mission "Pompallier" and Christ Church, which still carries the bullet holes from the Maori Wars. Discover Russell's exciting past by visiting the museum, cafés, restaurants and craft galleries, while appreciating its colonial architecture.
You will find a wide range of accommodation available and you can also arrange sightseeing, adventure or fishing activity from the Russell waterfront. If you're planning to do any island or bush hiking, be sure to call into the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. For self-drive explorers, take State Highway 11 to Opua and catch the vehicular ferry to Russell or leave State Highway 1 at Whakapara and travel the fully tar-sealed scenic coastal route via Oakura. There's also a passenger ferry service from Paihia.
Waitangi
Truly one of New Zealand's most historic sites, being the place where both Maori and European joined in signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty House is located amongst a vast peaceful estate which includes a fully carved Maori Meeting House, one of the largest Maori War Canoes and a Visitor Centre and Gallery. The estate is a must see for any visitor interested in New Zealand's history and culture.
Fully carved meeting house at Watiangi.
The Waitangi Golf Course Course is located in a wonderful setting with majestic ocean views. And for a deeper understanding of how mangrove forests fit into coastal ecology, take a trek through to Haruru Falls or join a guided kayak tour.
Kerikeri
Kerikeri was home ground for the fearsome Hongi Hika, a Maori chief who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Yet he was kind to missionaries - allowing Samuel Marsden to establish New Zealand's second mission station here.
Kerikeri overflows with orchards and galleries, fruit and art. All along the roadside, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwi fruit and avocados. Follow the art and craft trail and you'll get to know some of the artisans. Visit the wineries, lunch in one of the many outdoor cafés, indulge in delicious handmade chocolates or locally made macadamia liqueur. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Expect a good choice of cafés and restaurants.
The Stone Store at Kerikeri is New Zealand's oldest building.
Historical highlights of Kerikeri: the Kerikeri Mission House, the country's oldest house built by John Butler in 1821, and the Mission's Stone Store dating from 1832 and New Zealand's oldest stone building. These wonderful buildings are regarded as the "Cradle of the Nation", and are must for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.
Within minutes by car or an hour's walk from the Kerikeri Basin car park is the 27 metre Rainbow Falls. Further afield lies the Puketi Forest, an ideal place to tramp and view kauri trees from a boardwalk which also has wheelchair access.
Opua
For those who arrive in the Bay of Islands by sea, Opua is your port. It's where the boats live - yachts, launches, ferries and runabouts of every description. On the wharf, a number of charter companies offer yachts you can sail yourself. A new 240 berth marina is now complete so with the friendly yacht club, the boat haul-out yards and extensive marine services, Opua is a delightful safe-haven for any sailor. It is also where you catch the car ferry if you want to drive to Russell.
Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls is 3km from Paihia.
Haruru means "big noise." The water falls in a horseshoe shape - very rare and quite spectacular - and Maori legend states that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below. You can walk to Haruru Falls along the Waitangi walking track, or drive to Haruru Falls township - which is only 3 kilometres from Paihia. In the 1800s, there were over 100 Maori villages along the Haruru Falls river.
Kawakawa
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Kawakawa is marked by its unique entrance sign, an arch constructed in the style of Frederick Hundertwasser. Kawakawa is home to the famous Hundertwasser-designed public toilets - a definite must on your itinerary. This is the only building in the Southern Hemisphere designed by the Austrian born artist and is the last building he designed before he died in 1999.
Visit the Museum in the old Memorial Library (open Thursdays & Fridays) for a glimpse of Kawakawa's coal mining history. The railway line running through the centre of town to Opua is a remnant of those times. Unfortunately major maintenance requirements mean that regular trips to Opua by Gabriel, the renowned steam train, will not be taking place at present, however the station is open and welcomes visitors. Visit also the Kawiti glow-worm caves at Waiomio which boast a galaxy of glow-worm lights, white limestone formations and 12 generations of history.
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| Getting There
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Bus services operate daily from Auckland to the Bay of Islands and throughout Northland |
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