Bay of Islands

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The Bay of Islands is in the Northland Region of the North Island, New Zealand. The area is situated 60 kilometres north-west of Whangarei and is very close to the northern tip of New Zealand.

The Bay of Islands is a very popular holiday destination all year round in New Zealand. It is a very picturesque location and is enriched with New Zealand culture and history. It combines amazing and fun outdoor activities with the country's most important historic sites. You can cruise to the Bay of Islands from Auckland, or begin your holiday in Paihia, the heart of the Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands was the location of where the earliest contact between the native population and European settlers took place. Popular locations within the Bay of Islands are Waitangi, where New Zealand's founding document was signed by Maori and Pakeha leaders, and Russell, a relaxed location isolated from the mainland. Another must see location is Kerikeri, the earliest stable settlement in New Zealand which has some of New Zealand's oldest buildings, bush walks and arts and crafts.

Bay of Islands has a wealth of diverse experiences available you can have a drink at a country cafe, dine at a gourmet restaurant, go kayaking and swim with dolphins, experience New Zealand's history directly, walk along many coastal tracks, go game fishing and cruising on the waters of Bay of Islands or just relax.

Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's must-see locations. The most famous landmarks of the Bay of Islands are the Cape Brett Lighthouse and 'the hole in the rock'. There are some great tours available to see both, for any age and any fitness.

Bay of Islands History

Around 700 years ago, the Mataatua, a Maori migration canoe journeyed to New Zealand from Hawaiki, it was sailed to the Bay Of Islands by Puhi, an ancestor of the Ngapuhi tribe. Maori settled and spread throughout the bay and several of its islands. The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook, who named the region in 1769. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans.

Featured Northland Activities

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Main Towns in the Northland Region

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