New Zealand’s Northland region, known as the Bay of Islands, begins 150 miles to the northeast of Auckland and stretches toward Polynesia, home to the ancestors of New Zealand’s original inhabitants – the Maori. The Bay of Islands was also home to the first permanent European settlement in the country.

The region boasts one of New Zealand’s top maritime parks, featuring nearly 150 islands with bays that have enticed visitors for some time. There’s a vast array of marine species found here, including dolphins, penguins and whales, to name just a few. The relaxed lifestyle of this sunny destination, combined with its scenic beauty and abundant water sports and activities, adds to its appeal.