Things to do in Waitangi

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi, about 3 kilometers away from the town of Paihir, is one of New Zealand's more important historical sites. In 1840, the British royal family and more than 500 Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, here. Today, the treaty signing site provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about Maori culture and historical events related to the signing of the treaty. You can visit the Treaty House; you can also see the carved marae and one of the largest surviving Maori war canoes; and at the visitor center, you can watch entertaining and informative explanations. Waitangi is not only a great place to learn about New Zealand's history, but it's also a beautiful area worth exploring. Treaty House stands proudly within an open, peaceful parkland, with stunning views from the semi-formal gardens surrounding Treaty House to the 6km forest walk to Haruru Falls. On the coastline, you have a panoramic view of the ever-changing bay scenery. You can see warriors, whalers, sailors and New Zealand settlers constantly coming and going here.

Haruru Falls

Bay Of Islands

The Bay Of Islands not only preserves historic buildings built by the Maori and Europeans, but is also home to abundant marine life such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Because the seawater is warm year-round, it is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. 1. Location of the Bay Of Islands The Bay Of Islands is located at the northern tip of New Zealand. This sea area is dotted with 144 small islands and includes many small towns such as Opua, Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri, as well as a large area of offshore islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. 2. The central hub of Paihia Driving from Auckland to the Bay Of Islands, you will pass through lush fields, dense forests, rolling beaches, and quaint pastoral towns before arriving at the seaside town of Paihia, which is the central hub of the Bay Of Islands. The romantic and classical town of Russell is also not to be missed; you can take a round-trip ferry from Paihia. The town of Russell preserves historic sites such as the Catholic mission built in 1839. 3. Exploring the islands by sea Exploring the islands by sea is the best way to discover the Bay Of Islands. You can rent a sea kayak to paddle around the bay, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or even go to uninhabited islands to catch crabs and fish. Many tour operators here offer various day trip itineraries, such as visiting the Cape Brett Lighthouse at the northern end, visiting attractions like the Hole in the Rock, as well as hiking on the islands, enjoying sunny beaches, and camping. It is worth mentioning that you have the chance to see dolphins in the Bay Of Islands all year round, and when conditions are suitable, you can even swim with them. 4. Famous diving sites In addition, the Bay Of Islands is also a great place for diving. On the seabed of Deep Water Cove near Cape Brett lies the sunken 113m-long New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Canterbury. Its top is just 10m underwater, so you can see it even while snorkeling. There are also local activities such as wreck diving at the Rainbow Warrior near the Cavalli Islands.

Cruise to the Hole in the Rock

Go to the Marine Building to register for the Dolphin Watching Cruise at Cave in the Rock. Take a luxury yacht specially built for watching dolphins, you can watch a variety of original dolphins and other marine animals up close on the spacious deck (the cruise activities have a dolphin watching license issued by the environmental protection department). The boat cruises through the beautiful Bay of Islands, passing the historic town of Russell. Then bypass the lighthouse at Cape Brett and come to the famous "Cave in the Rock" on Motukokako Island. Hold your breath and hold your head up to admire the spectacle of the standing rocks as you experience first-hand (weather permitting) the yacht navigating through the narrow caves.

The Stone Store

This is a stone building that was once a shop and is now a museum, showcasing the commerce and lifestyle of the time.

Kerikeri Mission Station

Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)

Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi

Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park

Paihia Beach

At Paihia Beach, enjoy a leisurely coastal time, you can walk on the beach with your lover or go out to sea by yourself, at the same time, Paihia is also the perfect place to explore the Bay of Islands (Bay of Islands).