Bay of Islands
The
region of Northland and the Bay of Islands stretches north from Auckland,
towards the warm waters of Polynesia, the ancestral home of New Zealand’s
first inhabitants.
The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Northland springs from its subtropical
climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the
coastline. The people of the North have a passion for water sport - surfing,
boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation
of the region’s fascinating Maori and European history.
It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in this region
during the 11th century, but it wasn’t until after the landing of
the British sea voyager Captain Cook in 1769 that missionaries, whalers
and traders arrived. The Treaty of Waitangi, the document that founded
bicultural New Zealand, was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840. The
legacy of Northland’s earliest European settlers can be seen in
the form of historical buildings and museums that provide a unique insight
into colonial New Zealand.
Much of Northlands' extensive coastline remains unspoilt - an aquatic
playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation. Whangarei
and Opua are renowned throughout the Pacific as attractive havens for
yachts. You’ll find that Maori culture is still very much alive
in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori), and you’ll
also enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities that stem
from the distinctive local culture - which embraces art, creativity, organic
farming and alternative thinking.
Main Centres
- Kaitaia - the most northern major town in New Zealand
- Kerikeri - producers of art and fruit
- Paihia - gateway to the Bay of Islands
- Whangarei - New Zealand’s northernmost city
- Dargaville - heart of the Kauri Coast
- Bay of Islands - tourism hub including Kerikeri, Paihia, Waitangi and Russell