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 New Zealand's Bay of Islands can be found three hours North West by road from Auckland. Here you will find a string of coastal towns that line the edge of the Bay with amazing views of the nearly 150 islands that can be found in and around the area. The region is a romantic and picture perfect holiday destination which also happens to be home to New Zealands most revered historic site, the birthplace of their nation, Waitangi.
Unlike many other naturally occurring Bays, this one forms an irregular shape, the watery arms of the sea wind and stretch their way into the land forming countless coves and inlets. It makes the perfect setting for exploration and discovery, espeically if you have the luxury and freedom afforded by a hire car on your holiday.
Sailing yachts on round the world cruises stop here, international sports fishermen flock here for competition and casual fishing trips, golfers visit the world class golf course and marine enthusiasts come for an up close and personal encounter with the variety of marine animals. It makes the ideal destination for a holiday because of the unspoilt natural beauty and the laid back atmosphere and most parts of the region are accessible in one of our car rentals.
There are numerous seaside towns in the Bay of Islands, each with its own distinctive history and character. Paihia is the main tourist centre providing late night fun, high quality hostels and a range of fun holiday activities. Russell is a more refined and historic township which is just a short ferry ride across part of the bay.Waitangi is the most important historic site in New Zealand, the treaty of Waitangi was signed here which effective handed New Zealand over to British rule.
Below we examine some of the local towns and what you can expect to find there.
Paihia
This picturesque and laid back seaside town is an ideal launching pad for holiday adventures in the Bay. Offering a wide variety of accommodation and activities to suit most tastes, it is easily accessible in an Auckland car rental and provides a wealth of services and nearby attractions.
Cruise operators can be easily found in Paihia from day trip adventure cruises, through to wreck diving or swimming with dolphins tours. Visitors can also rent a jet ski or kayak to have a good time on the water.
While strolling around the town's shops we recommend you stop at one of the superb restaurants or cafes. The town also provides access to historically significant sites, safe beaches and walking tracks. However many prefer to simply relax on the beach and take in the natural beauty of the Bay.
Accommodation ranges across the full spectrum from luxury hotels and resorts, to motels and campsites and even backpackers are catered for. Many are conveniently located close to town so you will easily be able to jump in your car hire vehicle and access any of the surrounding areas.
Early European settlement in the region faced difficulty from the lack of beach access and lack of roads. However eventually after the second world war a road was built and Paihia quickly became the most popular seaside resort in the north.
Waitangi
This town is considered to be the birthplace of the nation. Events which took place here were intended to bind all the people of New Zealand together in a common union. In 1932 the site at which the treaty was signed was handed back to the Nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe. Standing on the site today the Treaty House is a fully carved Maori meeting house which is set on 56 hectares of stunningly beautiful native vegetation. The site can be reached easily in a car rental vehicle by heading north from Paihia.
Exploring Waitangi is a great way to whet your appetite before taking one of our hire car vehicles across to visit the historic town of Russell.
Russell
While settlement at Russell was never officially planned the combination of fresh food, water and safe anchorage in the Bay meant that it could not escape its destiny. For the sailors who stopped off at Russell after months at sea there were two priorities : Rum and Women. Fights, abduction and murder saw its reputation grow as "The devil's playground" and "The Hell Hole of the Pacific". In 1840 Russell was declared the first capital of New Zealand, but one short year later the capital moved to Auckland.
Russell is a long way from its violent past and is now and elegant and charming seaside township with a major focus on tourism, fishing and cottage industries. There are many historic sites in Russell including a Catholic Mission Building and New Zealand's oldest church "Christ Church" which still has the bullet holes from early Maori conflicts. The museum and heritage trails give visitors a comprehensive overview of the interesting history of the place. You can choose to join a guided tour group or choose to travel at your own pace in the comfort of your car hire vehicle.
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