Paihia
is nicknamed “The Jewel of the Bay of Islands" and contains many
private islands and coves. It is the northern most city on our tour
of New Zealand. The City also has a lot of historical value, from
the original Maori people to the English settlers that discovered the land
with Captain James Cook. You can take a ferry across to New Zealand's
founding city Russell. The area is great for vacationing and
deep sea fishing.
Accommodations:
The
Copthorne hotel in the Bay of Islands with its spacious rooms, a large
bar and restaurant, and large pool/spa area was one of our favorite places
we stayed.
Visit
http://www.copthornebayofislands.co.nz/
for more information.
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This
is the pool area and an aerial shot of the resort
Landscape:
The town was about a 30 minute walk from our resort, the following are three views to be encountered along the way.
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The
bay area provides a recreational wonderland for those seeking nautical
adventures.
Above
is downtown Paihia, fairly quiet but very interesting, There are plenty
of places to get fresh seafood.
Hole
in the Rock
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Activities:
Cape
Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach:
Our
third day in the country was spent on a Fuller's bus tour up cape to the
northern most point of the country, Cape Reinga. Below are a few shots
of what we found.
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The
view has often been described as liberating and giving you a sense of freedom
and space.
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Most
of our group decided to not go swimming in the frigid waters.
Top:
Kathryn, Stef, Mike, Adena, Melinda, Chris M, Megan P
Middle:
Laura B, Laura N, Abby, Kathleen
Bottom:
Larissa, Val, Dana, Jackie, Francesca, & Megan M
Waitangi
Historic Trust Reserve:
We visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the history between
the Maori and the English settlers. Here is where the treaty of Waitangi
was signed. It was a pact made between some Maori tribes and the
British Governor (William Hobson) on February 6, 1840 that protected Maori
land interest. Current news about the Waitangi Tribunal can be found here.
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Pictured
above and below is a Maori War Canoe which was carved out of a single tree.
If you look at the ceiling in the picture on the right you can see the
paddles used to move the boat through the water.
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Nightlife
Here's some celebrating for Mike Fox's 20th birthday
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