Bay of Islands

The site of New Zealand’s first European settlement, the Bay of Islands consists of 144 scattered islands. This region merits a four-day visit, spending less time here wouldn’t be doing the place justice. You will be sure to like the area’s fabulous beaches, sport fishing, scuba diving and kauri trees (they’re enormous, often growing to 120 ft/36 m). The village of Waitangi (not to be confused with the town on the Chatham Islands) has a carved Maori meeting lodge, a shipwreck museum, the world’s largest war canoe (made from the trunks of two kauri trees) and Treaty House, where the British and Maoris signed a peace treaty in 1840, creating the modern state of New Zealand.

The nearby town of Paihia has first-rate beaches and great opportunities for sea kayaking. Several villages in the vicinity can be explored. Russell and Kerikeri are two of the nicest. From Russell you can take a good tour of the northern countryside (lots of citrus and subtropical fruits). Paihia accommodation includes a range of comfortable Backpackers, Apartments, Hotels, Motels, and Bed and Breakfasts.

The island cruises are highly recommended. Take a cruise on the famous ‘Cream Trip’, which used to pick up dairy products from the island (hence the name) but now is mostly for sightseeing and mail delivery. It takes a full day but is well worth it. At the very least, take a half-day cruise, which should visit fishing grounds and the lighthouse and pass by unique rock formations.

If your schedule permits, take a day tour to Cape Reinga (the northernmost tip of North Island, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea merge). The route passes Mangonui (a picturesque fishing village) and Taipa (where, according to legend, the Polynesians first discovered New Zealand). Buses leave from Kaitaia for ‘90-mile Beach’, a vast beach preserve, smaller than its name indicates, but still impressive (private cars are not allowed). Equally impressive are the sights along the walking trail through the Te Paki Reserve. The Bay of Islands is located 195 km north of Auckland.