One of the best ways to take in the sights is by joining the full-day Cape Reinga and 90-mile beach tour from Bay of Islands from Paihia. The journey to this remote northerly point is one of this region's most spectacular road trips and makes a wonderful day trip from the Bay of Islands. According to Maori legend, the tree is where the spirits of the dead jump off to journey back to the Maori ancestral home of Hawaiki.Ĭape Reinga remains a place of deep spiritual significance for the Maori people. This slither of land jutting out into the sea is marked by a lonely lighthouse and a sacred 800-year-old pohutukawa tree. Official site: North of the Bay of Islands is the Northland region's other big tourist attraction: the northern tip of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet and surge together. If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent displays of traditional Maori song, dance, and culture. Guided tours are available, and if you want to linger longer, there's a good café located on the premises (and a shop). The meeting house's intricate interior carvings are the work of famous Maori wood-carver Pine Taiapa.Īfterwards, stroll via Hobson Beach to the Waka House, which displays the largest ceremonial war canoe in the world, carved from three kauri trees. Opposite is Waitangi's Maori Meeting house, erected in 1940 on the centenary of the treaty signing. The Treaty House, which was originally built in 1833 as the private residence of James Busby, the British government's representative in the colony, has been beautifully restored and is now a small museum with exhibits on the treaty signing and early colonial life in the northland.
Today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand's most important historic site. This is where, in 1840, the founding document of the country known as the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the chiefs of the Maori tribes and the British crown. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.įor New Zealanders, the history of their modern nation begins at Waitangi.
WESTLAND SURVIVAL FORTIFICATION STONE FULL
Learn about the early days of the British colony, with its whaling stations and missionaries in Kerikeri and Russell, and then head to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds near Paihia where New Zealand's modern history officially began.įor more things to do, be sure to check out our full list below of the top tourist attractions in the Bay of Islands.
The tiny towns of the Bay of Islands may feel like sleepy idylls today, but they were at the very heart of the beginning of New Zealand's colonial era. Once travel batteries are recharged, hit a few of this region's historic sights. Hop on a sightseeing boat tour from Paihia or Russell to soak up the sun and fully experience the undulating coastline and islands offshore. This is a place to kick back for a few days and just enjoy the scenery. The forested slopes, secret white-sand coves, and glittering expanse of blue sea have made New Zealand's Bay of Islands region a yachting haven and a top spot for anyone looking for a slice of seaside bliss. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )