The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands was discovered by Captain Cook in 1769 and was named because of the 144 islands in the bay.

With its pristine beaches and clear waters The Bay of Islands is home to the finest maritime park in New Zealand. Its sub tropical climate, uncrowded beaches and spectacular scenery attract holidaymakers and visitors who enjoy the many marine activities available.

The area was the first European settlement and as such has a wealth of historical treasures and buildings to visit. The country's founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed at the Treaty House in Waitangi whose grounds also house fine examples of Maori Buildings and Canoes.

Across the Bay is Russel, (Take the ferry), which has the oldest wooden church in the country and also New Zealand's first licensed hotel. While Pahia and Waitangi were the domain of the founding missionaries, Russel was the base for the whaling industry and was often referred to as "the hell hole of the Pacific"

Today Pahia is a modern tourist town with many fine restaurants, motels, bars, and clubs. It is the starting point for most of the Bays commercial tourist activities. Russel is a small, quite town where one can wonder the streets soaking up the historical atmosphere and visit the many handcraft shops available.

The Bay is the base for some of the best Marlin, Tuna, and Shark fishing in the world and boasts New Zealand's largest fleet of charter fishing boats. Many world record fish have been caught in these waters.

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