Tag: Bay of Islands New Zealand

Where in the World Are We?

In the Bay of Islands, New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

BAY OF ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
A SUBTROPICAL MICRO-REGION KNOWN FOR ITS STUNNING BEAUTY & HISTORY
The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at the top of North Island at Cape Reinga. No
matter what route you take you’ll pass farms and forests marvelous beaches and great open spaces.

The East Coast up to the Bay of Islands is Northland’s most densely populated often with refugees from bigger cities
– looking for a more relaxed life – clustered around breathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes
at the foot of the Brynderwyn Hills.

Turning left will take you up the West Coast through areas once covered with forests and now used for either agriculture
or horticulture. Driving over “the Brynderwyns “ as they are known takes you to Whangarei the only city in Northland.
If you’re in the mood for a diversion you can slip into the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove an area settled by
Scots and Laings Beach where million-dollar homes sit next to small Kiwi beach houses.

An hour’s drive farther north is the Bay of Islands known all over the world for its beauty. There you will find lush forests
splendid beaches and shimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between Māoriand the
British Crown established the basis for the modern New Zealand state.

Continuing north on the East Coast the agricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series of
winding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are both beautiful and isolated where you can
swim dive picnic or just laze.

THE STONE STORE
The Bay of Islands is New Zealand’s foremost historic area, birthplace of Māori and Pakeha (European) relationships, and home of the Kerikeri Mission Station with two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings, Kemp House and the Stone Store.
The Stone Store was New Zealand’s first architectural white elephant.

Lavishly built from local basalt, supplemented by Sydney sandstone in the arches, jambs, and corners. The store, together with the neighboring Mission House now forms a small museum.

SIGHTS

• Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Pompallier Mission and Printery
• Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)
• Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve
• Haruru Falls
• Urupukapuka Island
• The Parrot Place

Today’s Excursion – “Hole in the Rock” Cruise
We sailed to the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ during this scenic, half-day, catamaran excursion to the Bay of Islands.

We departed the pier aboard a chartered catamaran for a picturesque, approximately three-hour cruise along the Bay of Islands. We sat back and relaxed aboard the vessel, which features comfortable indoor and open-deck seating, and a well-stocked cash bar, while observing many of the Bay’s 144 islands from close quarters.

Cape Brett Lighthouse, Cathedral Cave Formation, Piercy Island, ‘Hole in the Rock’
We sailed past the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse, the only historic lighthouse managed by the Department Of Conservation with its internal workings still in place, and passed the famous Cathedral Cave formation nearby. Our route circled Piercy Island, also
known as ‘Motukokako Island’, at the outermost limits of the Bay of Islands, and sailed to the ‘Hole in the Rock’. We did not sail through the “Hole” due to large sea swells.

It is one of the most naturally beautiful sights in all of New Zealand, this 210-foot hole at sea level was created over centuries by wind and waves. We had our iPhone camera on hand to capture this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Seabirds, Dolphins, Penguins
Seabirds and marine life abound in this vicinity. Bottlenose and common dolphins are the most frequently encountered marine
mammals in the Bay of Islands, and we saw a pod during our journey. You saw little blue penguins, Australasian gannets, black-winged gulls, red-and-black-beaked gulls, Caspian and white-fronted terns, Buller’s, sooty, flesh-footed and fluttering shearwaters, prions, storm petrels, and pied shags. On the islands, you are likely to see variable oyster-catchers, dotterels, fantails, pukekos, and tuis.

Tonight’s dinner at The Restaurant with a Chinese New Year’s theme

Check out today’s Chronicle