Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, or Ipipiri in Maori, meaning “many places,” is steeped in both Maori and European history. The Maori settlement dates back to the 10th century, with significant tribes establishing themselves long before European arrival. Captain James Cook named the region in 1769, followed by whalers and missionaries, marking the beginning of European settlement in New Zealand. The Bay holds immense historical significance as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed in 1840 at Waitangi. Towns like Russell (formerly Koror?reka), the first permanent European settlement, and Waitangi offer insights into this rich past.

Nature thrives across the Bay’s 144 islands, characterised by a drowned valley system creating numerous bays, estuaries, and diverse marine habitats. The subtropical East Auckland Current brings warm waters, fostering a rich array of marine life. Fauna includes dolphins (bottlenose, common, and orca), migratory whales, New Zealand fur seals, and various seabirds like gannets and petrels. On land, you might find native birds and the occasional giant weta.

The flora is equally diverse, ranging from lush evergreen native forests with iconic Kauri trees to coastal vegetation. Pohutukawa trees, known as the “New Zealand Christmas tree” for their vibrant red blooms, are prevalent. Ferns, mosses, and a variety of native shrubs carpet the undergrowth. The ecological richness, combined with the historical layers, makes the Bay of Islands a unique and captivating destination.