BAY OF ISLANDS - North Island, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands, 240 kms north of Auckland, is a jewel in the North Island's crown. Its coastal scenic splendour, scattered islands and beautiful blue waters make it a tourist's delight.

The Bay has a rich history and is easily accessible. It is the seat of European settlement in Aotearoa and is a place of great importance for Maori as the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here.

Paihia is the main beachside town and serves as the main accommodation base for visits to the outer islands by the numerous visitors that pour in to enjoy the sun and the surf.

It is very close to Waitangi where the Treaty was signed. Russell is a pretty little town across the bay with passenger ferry services. To the northwest, Kerikeri is a nice town with rich colonial history.

The Bay of Islands serves as the main tourist centre in the Northland region and provides opportunities to see surrounding spots of interest. Daylong bus tours to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach are a must on your travel itinerary. Paihia offers scenic flights over Northland.

The history of the Bay of Islands dates back to when it was heavily populated by Maori because of its warm climate, numerous sheltered bays and plentiful seafood. Captain Cook anchored here in 1769 and named it the Bay of Islands.

The French came here a few years later and whalers were regular visitors to the area. The sustained contact with Pakeha or Europeans led to firearms, alcohol and diseases spreading amongst Maori and the shattering of their society. Next came the missionaries, intent on reeducating the Maori people.

In 1833, James Busby was appointed by the Crown to guard British interests and secure the region. He had limited armed support and judicial authority. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and brought some stability to the Bay of Islands region. The capital was shifted from Russell to Auckland and later Wellington.

Kerikeri

Kerikeri, about 25 kms northwest of Paihia, is located away from the Bay of Islands itself but is a focal point in the history of this region. It has an agrarian based economy and some good sights on offer.

Kerikeri - More information

Russell

Russell is a pretty hillside village with great sea access, just 15 minutes by ferry ride from Paihia. It has a rich history and was the capital of New Zealand in the 1840s when it was known as Kororareka. In summer it is brimming with tourists coming off the passenger ferries from Paihia and Opua to look around the village's historic buildings and beautiful waterfront.

Russell - More Information

Waitangi

Waitangi, a short distance away from Paihia, is the place where in 1840, the historic Treaty Of Waitangi was signed. This treaty ceded Aotearoa's sovereignty to Britain in return for protection. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds across the Waitangi River is one of the most significant places in New Zealand for both Maori and Europeans and serves as a focus point in determining this young nation's identity.

Waitangi - More Information

Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach are part of the Aupori Peninsula and form the northern most point of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is the most northern point accessible by road and for Maori, it is the "Place of Leaping" from where the spirits of the dead depart. On the western side of the peninsula is the 64 mile long Ninety Mile Beach.

Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga - More Information

Bay of Islands Transportation

The Bay of Islands Visitor Centre is on Marsden Rd in Paihia. Buses from Auckland halt here. The adjoining Maritime Building houses booking services for all the major tour and cruise operators and is open till 9 pm during peak season from November to March. The Bay of Islands airport is about 22 kms northwest, close to Kerikeri. Planes from Auckland land here. There is a shuttle bus operating from the airport.

Bay of Islands Peninsula Accommodation

Bay of Islands Activities