It’s renowned for its unparalleled beauty and famed for being the birthplace of a nation, and you’re spoilt for choice with stunning beaches, secluded bays and easily accessible islands – there’s no better place to go to get away from it all than the Bay of Islands.

Delve into the hidden history of the Bay of Islands and discover the brithplace of our nation. With gems such as Paihia, Waitangi, Russell and everything else in between you're bound to not only expand your knowledge about New Zealand, but your horizons as well.

Paihia

This is an area steeped in equal parts of history, culture, natural beauty and adventure. Make your next holiday one to remember by heading to this versatile destination – and start out in the quaint, yet bustling hub of the Bay of Islands, Paihia.

Many visitors to the Bay of Islands choose Paihia as their base because there’s just so much here to see and do. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or a family, everyone’s bound to be entertained and inspired along the way. While you’re here, make sure you head outdoors and get to know this small town.

It’s a hive of activity over the summer months, but a calmer atmosphere permeates Paihia from autumn to spring – so taking your time and getting to know the area and the locals can top your to-do list.

Although Paihia can, at times, seem like a sleepy little town, there’s always something on tap for the adventurous. To get your blood really pumping, try something completely out of the ordinary, like skydiving. While this might sound a little bit out-there, there’s really no better way to take in the dazzling views of the Bay of Islands. What a story to tell, and what a memory to take home with you!

Paihia is also a perfect place to try out your sea legs: you can join a fishing charter, go kayaking or hop on board a boat for a day trip such as the cream-trip day cruise – history buffs will love this one. The most extensive historical cruise offered in the Bay of Islands, the tour follows the route of the original 1927 'Cream Trip'. It’s island hopping at its finest and most relaxing, and something not to miss.

Historic Russell

»  Russel Top10 Holiday Park

»  Motel Russel

»  Commodore's Lodge Motel

»  Russel Museum

»  R Tucker Thompson

While Paihia is famed for being a summer playground, Russell usually takes a quieter, more backseat position when it comes to being discovered by tourists. Just a short ferry ride from Paihia wharf or a scenic drive around by land, Romantic Russell (as it is called today) started off as a provisioning port for whalers.

Lawless, bawdy and nicknamed Hellhole of the Pacific, Russell’s colourful past is seemingly at odds with the serenity of the township today. While in Russell immerse yourself in the beauty of the architecture and the depth of the history by stopping into Pompallier.

Built in 1841-42, this building served many purposes in its day, being all at once a printery, tannery and storehouse for the French Marist mission. Stop in and learn past methods of tanning, printing and bookbinding.

After checking out some of the past, step back into the present and take in a walk to Long Beach. An hour’s stroll from the ferry landing, the journey to this stunning beach is as rewarding as the destination.

With all sorts of fauna and flora along the walkway (the bird life here is remarkable), you’ll enjoy nature at its finest. Be sure to bring along a picnic lunch and cool down in the tide or sit in the grass beneath a tall tree. Whatever you decide to do in Russell, add Long Beach to your to-do list.

Get inspired in Romantic Russell

1. Flagstaff Hill
   Overlooking Russell is Maiki (Flagstaff Hill), where Hone Heke chopped down the flagpole four times. The view is worth the effort.
2. Russell Museum
   This well-presented museum has a Maori section, a large 1:5-scale model of Captain Cook’s Endeavour and a 10-minute video on the town’s history.
3. Christ Church (1836)
   The country’s oldest church, it is scarred with musket and cannonball holes from the 1845 battle. The graveyard is interesting, with the biggest memorial to Waka Nene, the powerful Ngapuhi chief who sided against Hone Heke in the Northland War.
4. Pompallier
   The sole surviving building of the French Catholic mission to the Western Pacific. Built in 1842 to print Maori-language books, the printing press produced a staggering number. Take the guided tour to discover just how many.
5. Long Beach
   The beach looks out to the islands in the bay and is the perfect place for a swim and a picnic. It’s an easy walk from Russell township.

Waitangi

»  Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Get to know the birthplace of our nation and head back in time with each step you take while exploring Waitangi. Maori and European history in New Zealand runs deep here – and the strength of the treaty signed here still holds today. It was in Waitangi on 6 February 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. The treaty established British control over New Zealand, or governance (kawanatanga), depending on whether you’re reading the English or Maori version. And though neglected for many years, the treaty has played an increasingly important role in recent times.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are part of the 506ha Waitangi National Trust Estate. A must-see is the Treaty House, which was built in 1832 for the first British Resident, James Busby. Across the lawn is the magnificently detailed whare runanga, a beautiful meeting house with intricate carvings, which was completed in 1940 to mark the centenary of the treaty.
The 35m waka taua (war canoe) Ngatokimatawhaorua was also built for the centenary and a photographic exhibit details how it was fashioned from gigantic kauri logs. The naval flagpole in the grounds marks the spot where the Crown and Maori chiefs signed the treaty. Entry to the treaty grounds is free for New Zealand residents.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Activities

1. Embrace Waitangi
   A comprehensive, 60-minute professionally guided tour with personal stories and historical accounts.
2. Talk with us
   Learn some of the most common place names and greetings in the ancient, yet flourishing, indigenous Maori language.
3. Showtime: Kapa Haka
   An energetic 30-minute stage show of traditional and contemporary story, song and the distinctive music of northern tribes.
4. Talk the Walk
   A 60-minute guided tour of the natural environment and its relationship to Maori society, lore and legend.
5. Fun with Flax
   A 60-minute fun workshop using one of New Zealand’s oldest plant species.
6. Memories of Time
   Thirty minutes of song and rhythm with a storyteller and two performers unfolding the spiritual relationship Maori have with land and legend.
7. The Nation’s Garden
   A 60-minute, guided, enthusiasts’ tour of the Treaty House Garden of National Significance.
8. Treaty House Treasures

Explore one of New Zealand’s oldest landmark homes with a resident historian on a 60-minute tour.

1. Evening Shows: Land of Plenty

 This special twilight show traces the history of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. The drama brings the past to life for both Maori and European.

1. Culture North Sound and Light Show

Gather under the stars or in the carved Maori meeting house for a dramatic live musical performance that evokes the past and explores the future of our nation.

Bay of Islands Walks

1. Puketi Forest Walks
   The Puketi and Omahuta Forest offers a diverse range of walking and tramping opportunities. Easily accessible from the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour.
2. Manginangina Kauri Walk
   This easy 15-minute loop walk (wheelchair accessible) can be reached from SH 10 – signposted just south of Kaeo on Waiare Rd and returning at Waipapa. Along the boardwalk, interpretive panels provide information on the mature stand of kauri, swamp forest and associated vegetation.
3. Marsden Cross Track (40 minutes)
   The Marsden Cross monument, commemorating the first sermon preached in New Zealand, is in Oihi Bay on the Purerua Peninsula. The track is signposted off Rangihoua Rd, 36km from Kerikeri. It can also be reached by sea.
4. Ruapekapeka Pa (15 minutes)
   16km south of Kawakawa, this was the site of the last Northland land war between Ngapuhi warriors and the British. Interpretive signs explain the significance of trenches and dug-outs.
5. Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk (five hours)
   This track generally follows the outer edge of the island, passing various archaeological features. Behind Indico Bay a short walk leads to a dam and a wildlife hide.

Haruru Falls

Only 4km west of Paihia, the Haruru Falls cascade in a rare horseshoe shape. Here you can see nature’s power as the water from the Haruru Falls flows down into the Waitangi River. These falls are an excellent place for a picnic if you want to spend a lazy day in a beautiful spot.
The Waitangi Haruru Mangrove Walk links the Treaty Grounds with the falls, a 90-minute walk each way that takes in a boardwalk over mangroves. Alternatively, you can drive to the falls.

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