Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands are a part of the Northland region, stretching towards the warm waters of Polynesia, the ancestral home of New Zealand's first inhabitants. The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of the region springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches. Marine life includes whales, penguins, dolphins and much more.

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 at the Treaty House in Waitangi in 1840. The house stands proudly amidst a vast, peaceful park.

Also of interest on the site is a fully carved Maori Meeting House, one of the largest remaining Maori war canoes and a superb Visitor Center and Gallery – it's a 'must see' for any visitor interested in New Zealand's history and culture. From romantic Russell or Paihia visitors can catch a ferry, paddle a sea kayak, swim with dolphins or charter a sailing boat to immerse themselves in the blue-green world of island and beach.

The township of Kawakawa has a public toilet that simply begs to be seen. The very last building to be designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser, it's a masterpiece of glass tiles and imagination.