Bay of Islands

Reaching the warm waters of Polynesia, Bay of Islands is the cradle of native populations in New Zealand, the Maoris. It is said that a Polynesian explorer landed on the area for the first time in 11th century, but it was only until 1769 when the British voyager, Captain Cook, found the place did preachers, whale men and merchants come onto the land. The cultural foundation of New Zealand, Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in Bay of Islands in 1840.

Bay of Islands is the "northern area” of Auckland, New Zealand. The No.1 highway, which runs through the whole country, renders a pleasant view on the way up north. The dense forests are brimming with the breath of the nature and ocean. The stretching breach makes people palpitate with excitement. It is the paradise of aquatic sports lovers. Travelers can go fishing, sailing, sand-boarding and even playing with dolphins. They can also explore the mystery of nearby subtropical forests. The local Museum of Waitangi stores the peace treaty signed by the Maori and European immigrants and important historic relics of newly-founded New Zealand.

Bay of Islands enables you to feel the charm of oceans. You can take a ferry or rent a boat, immersed in the blue or azure green islands and breaches. Or you can row a boat, exploring the secrets of islands. Or you can participate in the special activity offered in Bay of Islands---swimming with dolphins. Many travel agents have arranged a tour which includes many magnificent scenic spots, such as Cape Brett, Piercy Island and Hole in the Rock.

Main Attractions:

Island

About 144 islands, with different features, are scattered around Bay of Islands, which accommodates dense forests of subtropical islands and creates a unique atmosphere of coastal town. The natural views and abundant cultural landscapes, including Paihia, Russell and Waitangi, provide travelers with some different fun from that the traditional New Zealand can offer. The three places are the most popular destinations among travelers. The beautiful town, Paihia, is the center of Bay of Islands as well as the starting point of fishing trip and sightseeing tour. The International Deep Sea Fishing Competition is annually held in Bay of Islands from January to April. Fishers can catch jenoars, kingfishes and gurnards every year, which are their favorite fish.

Beach

When it comes to Bay of Islands, it is impossible to ignore the 90 Miles Beach, which is the longest beach in the west coast of northern areas. At the sight of the endless beach, you will marvel at the greatness of the nature. Travelers can take special sightseeing bus to the golden beach. Or on the way north, you will arrive at Cape Reinga where you can experience sand-boarding. Most islands in Bay of Islands are listed as marine conservation areas and are open to travelers for wandering, swimming, fishing, diving and exploring. The attraction in Piercy Island---Hole in the Rock, a circular cave generated by marine corrosion---offers you a chance to take a ship to cross the cave and feel the novelty it renders.

Dolphin

You can take a ferry or rent a boat to observe the blue or azure green islands and beaches. If you like adventures, you can row a boat to explore the secret corners of different islands. Besides, swimming with dolphins is another special activity in Bay of Islands. Local travel agents have arranged a tour which includes many magnificent scenic spots, such as Cape Brett, Piercy Island and Hole in the Rock.

Te Matua in Bay of Islands

If you prefer less dynamic activities, you can go to the deep in Waipoua Forest where you can find mysterious and massive dammar trees, including the two-thousand Tane Mahuta and Te Matua whose trunk is 59 feet in circumference. The two trees are of great significance to the local Maoris. Besides, you can also go to Rawene to explore the mangrove forest there and enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by the nature and forests.

White Sand Dune

On the way from Opononi in the Bay of Islands, you can find many massive White Sand Dune. You can buy sand skateboard or find some big paperboard or boxes to enjoy sand-boarding on the white sand dune. However, the only trouble is that you have to climb to the top of the sand dune every time before you begin sand-boarding,

Sea Fishing Group

If you like fishing, you can depart from Whangarei to the natural harbour and riverside town in Tutukaka---Ngunguru where you can join a see fishing group and go to see with the locals to catch big fish.

Cape Reinga

To ascend the symbolic lighthouse in Cape Reinga is the goal of many travelers. Through Cape Reinga does not lie in the northernmost area of New Zealand (the northernmost area is North Angle which is a scientific conservation area and is not open to the public), it is actually at the end of roads. Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean converges in Cape Reinga, thus spectacular ocean currents and vortexes can be seen. There is a stout Christmas tree at the northernmost point of the Cape, which is believed to be over 800 years old. According to the spoken folklore of the Maori, the spirits of deceased Maoris would jump from the tree into the sea so as to return the home of their ancestors.

Paihia

Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Paihia is a great place for exploring Bay of Islands. The town provides an extensive options of accommodations and is a broad town center. You can depart from the pier to go outside the islands for fishing or exploring and to take a ferry to Russell. The local top-level adventures include a cave tour in Cape of Bennett, searching for dolphins (or fortunately swimming with them) and sea travel by kayaks. Paihia is also on the roadside of the historic house of Treaty of Whangarei which symbolizes the foundation of New Zealand as a country. Paihia is on the east front face of Haruru where you can find an impressive waterfall and plank road.

Whangarei

Whangarei, a town in northeast South Island, New Zealand, lies next to Bay of Islands. In 1840 British colonizers obliged the chief of native Maoris to sign an agreement here which made New Zealand a British colony. Waitangi National Reserve is the most important historic relic in New Zealandn including plenty of canoe warships (Waka in Maori language), luxuriant Maori churches and the house where Treaty of Waitangi (an agreement between the Maori and Britain) was signed in 1840. In the visitor center you can watch videos and visit the portrait gallery and Maori weapons. Several Maori cultural performances will be presented every day. Easy music performance, accompanied with soft lighting, will be staged most nights. The house of signing the treaty is retained as a museum, which displays the copy of the original treaty. Hotels, restaurants and bars are set up in the Reserve.

Russell

Russell, located at the south coast of Bay of Islands, is a town in the northwest South Islands, New Zealand. 185 kilometers south of Auckland, Russell is also a small fishing habour and summer retreat. In 1840 the British colonizers ever chose Russell as the capital of New Zealand, though the next year Auckland became the capital. Some historic buildings are maintained in the town, including Catholic Monastery built in 1839. Travelers can go to the famous historic town via driveways. Or they can take a glamorous ferry in Paihia, which is more convenient. At the time of whaling and trading, Russell is the well-known gate of hell in the Pacific Ocean, but then it became the first city that was elected as the capital of New Zealand. By now, it is a tourist town, with many stores, restaurants and bars. To know more about the brilliant history of Russell, please visit Baum Paller Theater and museums. Christian churches still retain the scar and misery that Maori wars bought about. You can drive a boat in ports to catch blue marlins, tunas and sharks. Besides, there is a perfect venue for swimming along the long beach.