Bay of Islands in NZ
A Beautiful Subtropical Region in the Far North of New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is an area of great natural beauty and offers much to the tourist. Read here to learn about the background and exciting opportunities avaialable.
The Bay of Islands is a popular, subtropical region towards the top of New Zealand. The soft beaches and azure waters are quite captivating and it’s hard to believe that in the late 1800s, this area was described as the “hellhole of the Pacific”. The name originated from the harsh living conditions and friction between the native Maori and European whalers, sealers, sailors and prostitutes.
Geography
Like most of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands was formed as a result of volcanic activity with the most recent eruptions estimated to be 60 000 years ago. The islands and bay itself are all formed from basaltic rock with its characteristic dark- gray appearance. Dotted around the bay are approximately 150 islands and these vary in size from a few square metres to the largest, Urupukapuka, which covers 208 hectares. Rich soil and lush vegetation now cover most of the islands and sheep graze peacefully where murderers once roamed.
Vegetation
Vegetation in the area is diverse and ranges from great Kauri rain forests to prolific pampas grass and an abundance of Ponga (tree) ferns and silver ferns. In December the pohutukawa tree also called the Christmas tree breaks into a fine array of deepest red blossoms.
Paihia
The small town of Paihia is the tourist centre of the Bay of Islands area. It was originally a mission station and was established in 1823 by the Williams and Fairburn families and their six children. By 1830, there were eight families living there and a school and church had been built. Businesses were starting to develop and the first conversion of a Maori to Christian had taken place. It remains a small settlement today with a population of 2000 but draws many thousands of visitors each year. The town is geared to tourism and with charming, little craft shops, cosy motels and a wealth of historical buildings, there is truly something for everyone.
Russell
Directly across the bay from Piahia lies the small village of Russell. It is accessible by a long circuitous road but most people use the ferry which only takes fifteen minutes. Russell is a charming settlement which used to be a whaling town. It is also holds the honour of being the oldest town in New Zealand. Although the population is small at 1000, the atmosphere is lively and there is plenty to see and do.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are only a few kilometers north of Piahia and hold great significance to New Zealanders. It is here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in February 1840, effectively handing Maori lands over to the Crown. It transpired later that the Maori and English versions were not the same. Today’s government is working through these issues with Maori leaders and trying to bring restitution and reconciliation. The treaty was signed outside the home of James Busby which still stands today.
Kerikeri
Kerikeri is 25 minutes from Paihia and the most northern of the towns that dot the shoreline of the bay. It also has a rich heritage dating back to the first missionary families that settled there in December 1819. In 1831, the Church Missionary Society purchased 3000 acres of land from the Maori in the area and this formed the basis of modern Kerikeri. These days, the town has a population of 5000 and is the fruit growing centre of the north.
The Bay of Islands is an ideal holiday spot with scuba diving and dozens of assorted cruises and tours on offer. It’s the sort of place that people will return to time and again.
