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the Bay of islands, in the far north of New Zealand’s North island, draws visitors as much for its Maori and settler history as it does for the natural beauty of the 144 islands that scatter the bay.
New Zealand’s 144 Islands
1.
The bustling yet charming town of Paihia is the main jumping off point to the Bay of Islands. Restaurants, bars and boutiques line the seafront here, and its glorious beaches are perfect for families. From Paihia, it’s easy to organise boat trips, dolphin excursions, skydiving, fishing, scuba diving and many other land, sea or air adventures.
A cruise around the Bay of Islands can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most sailing trips offer the chance to swim with dolphins and view the much-photographed Hole in the Rock. Several trips also offer the chance to island hop and explore the pristine beaches of Urupukapuka Island. Those seeking an eco-adventure can even join a restoration project to help preserve the fragile ecosystems of the islands.
A short ferry ride across the water from Paihia brings you to the small town of Russell. Back in the 19th century, Russell was the preferred hangout for whalers, adventurers and escaped convicts, earning it the less than salubrious title of “Hellhole of the Pacific”. Today it’s come a long way, and is now better known as “Romantic
Russell”. It’s a pretty, laid-back town offering sightseers great views over the bay from Flagstaff Hill. Russell is also home to the oldest pub in New Zealand. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of New Zealand’s biggest music acts playing there.
Kerikeri, once the territory of a brutal Maori chief, is now
an upmarket town attracting art lovers and foodies. Kerikeri has a well-deserved reputation for gastronomy thanks to its award-winning restaurants and boutiques selling everything from handmade chocolates to fruit liqueurs. Orchards line the road into town and wineries abound, making this a particularly picturesque place to visit.
All visitors to the Bay of Islands should pay a visit to Waitangi, one of New Zealand’s most historic sites. It was here that Maori chiefs and representatives of the English Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi
in 1840. The house and grounds where the treaty was signed is open
to visitors. Join a Maori-guided tour to explore the traditional Maori treaty hut, and to hear the legends and history behind the carvings and Maori war canoe that’s on display. From Waitangi Treaty House, there
18 JULY 2012