The main tourism centre in the Bay of Islands, Paihia is the base for many of the water based activities on offer. Paihia wharf sees a myriad of daily departures for the famous “Hole in the Rock” cruises, dolphin swimming cruises, and the regular ferry service aboard the “Bay Belle” across to Russell. Excellent restaurants and shopping make this a great spot to combine natural and retail therapies.
Image below - "Paihia, Bay of Islands".
Europeans started to arrive in New Zealand in the late eighteenth century. Firstly they came on voyages of discovery, then to harvest the plentiful whales and seals around the coasts. They were later followed by Kauri gum diggers and loggers. Later came missionaries who sought to convert the Maori population to Christianity.
In 1832, the Governor of New South Wales appointed James Busby as British Resident in New Zealand. This was the first formal step to bringing New Zealand under the governance of Great Britain. On 6 February 1840, Busby hosted the formal signing ceremony of the Treaty of Waitangi on his front lawn. The Maori chiefs, with no written language at that time, signed the document with the symbols on their tattooed faces. Throughout the nineteenth century there was a great influx of European settlers from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Consequently Northland considers itself the “Birthplace of the Nation”.
Tip: Follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. From Auckland, follow the East Coast route on the northbound trip, via Whangarei (State Highway 1) and return by the West Coast via Opononi and Dargaville (State Highways 12 and 16) to enjoy the Hokianga Harbour and the huge Kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest.
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