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.
You can enjoy boating, diving, game fishing, sailing or surfing before making your way through the numerous vineyards, stopping off to taste the variety of fine wines produced in the lush countryside.
Even though this region is popular with tourists, it hasn’t developed at the same pace as the rest of the country – part of its charm. Three townships offer the bulk of amenities for visitors: Kerikeri, Paihia and Russell.
Paihia is the true hub of the region, but it’s Russell that attracts tourists in greater numbers due to its historic attractions and scenic waterfront. Russell is a short ferry ride from Paihia while Kerikeri, situated to the north, is more of a commercial centre and thus attracts fewer visitors. However, it has a number of attractions and historical sites that make it worth a visit nonetheless.
Hotels, resorts and guesthouses in the Bay of Islands area are of a high standard, and there are options in all price ranges. Visitors will find plenty to see and do here, along with good food and wine, and some spectacular scenery. If you’re looking for a New Zealand destination that offers something a bit out of the ordinary, the Bay of Islands is an excellent choice.
As early as the 10thcentury, Maori tribes occupied the land known today as the Bay of Islands. There is archaeological evidence that the first tribes occupied garden sites at Urimatao (on Moturua Island) for relatively short periods, however.
The early transient tribes were followed by the Te Awa people, who came into the region from the Dargaville area. They too remained for a short time, and then moved southward. They did stay in the area long enough to build ‘pa,’ or fortified villages, at Manawaora and Rawhiti.
By the 15th century, the Ngare Raumati tribal people had arrived here from the Bay of Plenty. They intermarried and occupied the Bay of Islands region for nearly three centuries. During the 17thcentury, the Kororareka peninsula was given to the Nga Manu people as ‘utu', or compensation, for one of their chiefs having been killed (Waipahihi). The fortified settlement, or ‘pa’, was built on the hill behind present-day Pompallier and called Te Ke Emua. Following the killing of Waipahihi, the Nga Manu chief Tupare was forced to abandon the land and his daughter.
In the early 19th century, the chiefs of the Ngapuhi from the Kerikeri area defeated Ngare Raumati and moved inland to settle. Other Ngapuhi remained behind, settling in the Kororareka area, which became one of many small settlements that sprouted up around the Bay of Islands. The area underwent significant change and development as contact with Europeans increased.
Today, the region has evolved as a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural area that’s home to native Maori, locals of European descent and more recent immigrants from North America. The growth of the population, particularly on Roatan, has been dramatic. Along with the population growth there has been a boom in homes, hotels and resorts, restaurants and shops, making it a comfortable destination for tourists. Despite these changes, much of the Bay of Islands’ beauty remains untouched.
The tropical waters of the South Pacific flow along the equator, first westward and then to the south, producing the semi-tropical climate that influences the Bay of Islands region of New Zealand. This tempering of the environment prevents the summer temperatures from rising to uncomfortable levels and keeps the spring and autumn days mild. Note that in the southern hemisphere the summer stretches from November to April.
The region is known as the ‘winterless north,’ meaning that frosts are rare during the winter months and temperatures can climb to 25°C from June to September. In summer, the weather can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching 30°C and above. The weather is a big reason why the Bay of Islands is such a popular destination for tourists who enjoy outdoors activities.
