Paihia

Northland and the Bay of Islands are often called "the birthplace of a nation", owing to all of the historic sites and memorable events that took place in the region. However, there is so much more on offer…

The climate and the geography of Northland, with all of the beautiful islands, beaches and bays lends itself well to a large variety of watersports, including but not limited to fishing, diving, swimming with dolphins, kayaking and tall ship sailing.

After James Cook landed in New Zealand in 1769, whalers, missionaries and traders began arriving. This region was the first permanent settlement for European pioneers and the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840, officially making New Zealand part of the British Commonwealth.