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Bay of Islands in New Zealand

One of the most beautiful coastal areas can be found at Bay of Islands. The jagged coastline of about 800 km is surrounded by about 150 islands with beautiful rock formations and beaches. You can take great cruises here, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, kayaking, in short, something for everyone. Due to its increasing popularity, it is possible to take various day trips such as visiting Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

The Bay is located north of Auckland and is an important cradle of Maori culture. Waitangi is an interesting place if you want to learn more about Maori culture and the smaller towns of Paihia and Russel l are perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside.

Highlights of the Bay of Islands

Northland

Northland is the peninsula stretching above Auckland, it is for the most part a subtropical area with beautiful nature. The largest city in Northland is Whangarei, it is located 80 km north of Auckland. The famous Bay of Islands is actually part of Northland and is located on the east coast. On the west coast of Northland you will find the Waipoua Kauri Forest with its huge Kauri trees. North of Paihia - on the way to Cape Reinga - are Ninenty Mile Beachand DoubtlessBay. This is an area somewhat less visited by tourists, but definitely worth a visit.

Kerikeri

Kerikeri is a historic town and the sweetest town in the Northland. Kerikeri is about 23 kilometers from Paihia and well worth a visit. The town was founded by Reverend Samuel Marsden as a second mission station, and built on the site of a former Maori settlement. The mission station was protected by the powerful Maori leader Hongi Hika. Today, Kerikeri is home to many artists whose work you can see in stores and galleries. If you want to get a good insight into the history of this town, do the 10-minute Historic Walk, which begins behind the Stone Store. This walk takes you past key historical highlights such as the Kororipo Pa, the fort of the chief of the Hongi Hika tribe.

Paihia

Founded by Reverend Henry Williams in 1923, Paihia was long a nondescript and insignificant village born out of a mission station. However, when you drive into Paihia now, the first thing you notice is the many Hostels, motels, hotels restaurants that stand here side by side, competing with each other to attract tourists. After passing several hotels, you arrive at the shopping area located at the Paihia Wharf. The Paihia Wharf is the place to get the vacation feel of the Bay of Islands. This is a gathering place of the tourists and you can exchange mutual experiences. You will also hear the tall tales of fishermen who each claim to have caught the biggest fish. When a shark or marlin is caught, it spreads like wildfire and people gather at the Wharf to watch the catch. The town is a wonderfully relaxed place with a friendly atmosphere.

Historically, the town has only the Church of Saint Pauls' from 1926 to offer. Incidentally, it is already the fourth church built on this site, and the first dates back to 1823. The first mixed marriage between a Maori girl and an English blacksmith took place here in 1830. Also, the first printing press used to print the first Maori Bible and the Treaty of Waitangi once stood here.

Waitangi

Just above Paihia lies Waitangi, the place where in 1840 the most important treaty between the Maori and the European settlers was signed and serves as the basis for mutual relations. At first all was well between the Maori and the Europeans, until the Maori realized that they had "sold" their land to Queen Victoria of England. This led to bloody battles. At Waitangi's visitor center, you can see and hear the history surrounding this treaty through an audiovisual presentation. Marae is a Maori word now also used in New Zealand English to designate a piece of land where the Wharenui or meeting house (literally big house) is located. Like almost all Maori words, it remains unchanged in the plural. The space in front of the Wharenui is used for ceremonies and speeches.