Bay of Islands

The little town of Russell is described as "Romantic Russell" in all the brochures. However, it's previous name was, "The Hellhole of the Pacific!" Apparently, Russell used to be a whaling port where all sort of riff raff used to congregate! However, now it is the picture of tranquil beauty with beautiful coastline and crystal blue water. The Bay of Islands is extremely important in NZ history. It is the location of the first English settlement and the start European colonization. It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by 46 Maori Chiefs on 6 February 1840.

We took a short ferry ride from the town of Paihia, which is the hub of the Bay of Islands, in order to get to Russell. Our Top 10 Holiday Park accommodation was excellent, with only a short walk to get the shore.

Our first day there was overcast so we decided to visit the Waitangi National Reserve. In the Maori guided tour we were able to see the Treaty House, which was the setting for the signing of the treaty. The whare runanga (meeting house) was amazing with the Maori carvings representing the Major Maori tribes. We also saw Ngatokimatawhaorua, the 35 meter war canoe. It is named after the canoe which Kupe, the Polynesian navigator, used to discover New Zealand.

The second day in Russell turned out to be a perfect boating day. We took a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock out in the ocean. I would have enjoyed the boat ride more, if I hadn't been so sea sick. I spent most of the time trying not to use the little white barf bag provided for such emergencies!