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Bay of
Islands Attractions
The
Bay of Islands with its warm climate and water based
activities is a popular destination for New Zealand
holiday makers and international tourist. Water based
activities include scenic cruises, sea kayaking, world
class fishing and diving, and swimming with dolphins.
The main
towns of the Bay of Island are Paihia, Waitangi,
Russell, and Kerikeri. There is a broad range of accommodation
in the Bay of Island, as well as attractions and activities,
places to eat, and entertainment for all ages.
The
tourist centre of the Bay of Islands is Paihia.
From here visitors can join sightseeing tours and many
of the areas hotels and restaurants are all situated
here.
Bay
of Islands Attractions
Hole
in the Rock/Cape Brett -
this cruise takes you to the world famous natural
wonder, the 'hole in the rock' where your captain
navigates the boat right through it with only inches to
spare. Also Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Paihia
Pahia
is often refered to as the "jewel of the Bay of
Islands". It was the first centre of European settlement
in New Zealand.
The town is a good starting point for the many and
varied trips and adventures that are available in the
Bay. Wheither you like extreme adventure, more sedate,
or something in between, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Points of
Interest in Paihia
-
Waitangi
Reserve and Treaty House -
The
very heart of New Zealand history. Visit the Treaty
House, the famous Maori War Canoe and see the
Sound/Light display in the Meeting House. The Treaty
House is one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited
historic homes.
-
Haruru Falls - is located approximately 3 kms from
Paihia, or if you'r feeling energetic it is a 2.5
hour walk on a track from Waitangi. It was New
Zealands first river port, being the original
landing site of European traders in the early
1800's. Today, Haruru Falls is a very popular
holiday spot with many tourist coming to see the
horse-shoe shaped falls, a cofigeration shared only
by the Niagera Falls.
-
Russell
This
small, quite, historic town was the first capital of New
Zealand and is full of charm with cafes, museums and
craft shops lining the waterfront. Today it is hard to
imagine that is was once known as "the hell hole of
the Pacific", and was a popular port with the crews
of the many whalers and traders came down into the
Pacific
Travel by ferry from Paihia.
Points of
Interest in Russell
- Pompallier
House - New Zealand's first Catholic mission now
restored to a working tannery and printing factory
- Christ Church
- New Zealand's oldest church still boasting bullet
holes in the walls, fascinating old graveyard
- Museum -
recently refurbished featuring many relics from the
towns colourful past.
- Flagstaff
Hill and Lookout - the site of Hone Heke's repeated
felling of the flagstaff between 1844 and 1846.
Fantastic views of the bay.
-
Russell Booking and Information Centre - Come
and see us at the end of the Russell wharf for
bookings, friendly advice and local information.
Cape
Reinga -
famous for its lighthouse and the point where the blue
Pacific Ocean meets the deep green of the Tasman Sea. It
is fascinating to watch the meeting of these two vast
oceans. On the way stop at mighty Ninety Mile Beach for
some stunning views.
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