Bay of Islands, Nov. Zealand

Trinity House Cottage

Trinity House cottage is one of New Zealand’s most important historic buildings. The “Treaty of Waitangi” was signed here-a landmark agreement that laid the foundation for the creation of the state of New Zealand. The Treaty was named after the location of Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, where it was concluded between representatives of the British Crown and the chiefs of the Māori tribes, and was first signed on 6 February 1840. Today, the house has been fully restored and is one of New Zealand’s most visited tourist attractions. Here you can learn about Māori culture, see the long 30-metre Māori war canoe, and also watch the famous haka dance (at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30).

Beach coastline

Bay of Islands is famous for its beaches all across New Zealand-if not all over the world! Golden sand, azure water, and enchanting nature will give you a sense of cozy bliss and a wonderful vacation. One of the best places to take sunny and sea baths is the Peahi Beach. Here, all the necessary facilities are available not only for a relaxing getaway, but also for water sports. In just a 20-minute walk from Russell’s city center lies Long Beach-a kilometer-long stretch of golden sand bordered by a calm ocean, which is perfect for small children. Another beach where families with children-and lovers of private beach time-will feel comfortable is Sullivans Beach, located within walking distance from the center of Paihia.

Haruru Falls

Haruru means «strong noise». The picturesque waterfall takes the shape of a horseshoe, and is illuminated after dark. According to Maori legend, a taniwha-a water monster-lives in the lagoon of this waterfall. In New Zealand, it is called the mini-Niagara.

Education Hole in the Rock

One of the main attractions of Bay of Islands is a unique natural formation, the mysterious “Hole in the Rock.” It’s best to get there by sea from the town of Paihia (near Waitangi). The catamaran trip takes about an hour and a half, and despite the fact that the destination itself is truly remarkable, the journey there will also leave strong memories: as the catamaran bounces over three-meter waves, it flies another ten meters through the air by momentum, before finally splashing down into the water, sending up thousands of splashes.

Wineries

Vineyards in the Bay of Islands area are considered among the best in the world. You can go there by car-one glass of wine in New Zealand is allowed for the driver to drink. At Marsden Estate Winery, you can freely stroll through the entire vineyard, which is landscaped no worse than “cultural” city gardens. Here you can also have a great lunch by choosing wine to suit your taste. At the Ake Ake distillery, you’ll enjoy an excellent lunch as well, with live music and a tour of the vineyard. There are also two more wineries-Cottle Hill and Kerikeri Wine Trail-where you’ll find award-winning wines that you can sample and purchase. Getting to the distilleries is very easy by car (about 20 km) on your own, and organized tours depart from Paihia.

Firefly Cave

The glowworm cave near a small town called Kavity is a truly magical place. You definitely haven’t seen anything like this before. The ticket lady turns into the cave owner (she’s a guide and a Māori), who tells the story of the caves in an interesting way-without any encyclopedic fuss-and gladly answers all your questions. Inside the cave, besides the glowworms themselves, there’s also a huge century-old freshwater eel, which you may be lucky enough to see as well. And the glowworms themselves are simply mesmerizing. You’ll be impressed by the caves too-their length is at least 100 meters, with stalactites and stalagmites, dramatic changes in height, historic spots and Māori food stores, a mountain stream, and much more…

Excursion in Russell

Russell is known as the first capital of New Zealand. The excursion through the town will let you see the most interesting historical buildings of Russell: New Zealand’s oldest church, Christ Church, an elegant Anglican building with traces of musket-ball impacts on its walls, the Pompalier House, a magnificent Victorian-style garden building constructed in the 19th century for Catholic missionaries, visit the Russell Museum, whose exhibits tell the story of the life of the islands’ discoverer, Captain James Cook, and also visit the flagpole with the British flag on Flagstaff Hill (or Maiki Hill). The flagpole was installed here in 1840 as a symbol of the transfer of control over New Zealand’s lands from the Māori tribes to the colonists.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

A magnificent sea cruise through Bay-of-Islands among dozens of tiny and charming islands on a small sightseeing vessel is a wonderful opportunity to see playful dolphins and majestic whales in the sea. Experienced captains know the places where these marine animals appear, so you’re sure to see them and even be able to touch the dolphins. The tour also includes a picnic on one of the picturesque islands.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check after booking your cruise in your “Personal Account”.