Paihia

Situated to the far north of the country this small resort town has its numbers swollen by tourists. Visitors are attracted by the gorgeous scenery offered by the Bay of Islands and the myriad of watery pursuits this offers and proximity to the Waitangi National Reserve.

Founded as a mission station in 1823 the town has grown to become the main target for visitors to the Bay of Islands. Situated right on the bay and surrounded by forest, the town is in a lovely spot but most visitors use it as a base for getting out on the water. Jetskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing and diving are all available but the best thing of all is to take a trip on a cruise with one of the companies that is licensed to go searching for and swimming with Dolphins. Magic.

Waitangi is a place central to the cultural and historical heart of the country. It was here in 1840 that a document was signed between local tribal chiefs and representatives of Queen Victoria. This should have been an honourable agreement between two royal houses that guaranteed Maori rights. However, abuses began almost immediately and trouble was inevitable. The treaty is still important and still invoked today.

The reserve includes the house where the treaty was signed and a good deal more. Don’t miss the whare runanga (meeting house) or the (deep breath) Ngatokimatawhaorua war canoe. Both date from 1940 and were constructed to commemorate the centenary of the treaty.

Its popularity as a resort means that Paihia has a plethora of places to stay at great prices including loads of good hostels. There are also many restaurants and lively bars; don’t miss the seafood.