Admission: Adults $10.00 Children free
Open 7 days 9am - 5pm (Winter) 9am - 6pm (Summer)
1 Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi
PO Box 48, Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Phone: 09-402-7437 Fax: 09-402-8303
SPECIAL EVENTS
WAITANGI DAY CELEBRATIONS - 6 February
New Zealand's recognition of the signing of the Treaty of
Waitangi. On and around the site of the signing are various
displays and activities celebration the New Zealand way of life.
Cultural Day held at the Waitangi National Reserve
PAIHIA
Maori place name: Good here. It is believed to be a word of
mixed origin, pai (good), hia (may be here).
Reverend Henry Williams was searching for a site of the third
Bay of Islands church mission station. His priority of
protection came from chief Te Koki. Their agreement established
the seed of Paihia in 1823. It was a difficult location and the
mission closed in 1850.
Beach access was poor and there were no roads. By 1890 Paihia
was five houses and a church. but life went on. Farmers herded
their cattle to Stockyard Point for shipping to Auckland.
Remnants of the original wharf still defies the Pacific and
makes a good fishing spot. Commerce took it's time to reach
Paihia. It wasn't until 1920 that some enterprising person
opened a drapery store.
Paihia remained isolated until the second world war. A road via
Opua opened Paihia to people who didn't have boats. It quickly
established itself as the most popular seaside resort in the
north.
From it's hard earned beginning, Paihia is now the main centre
for the Bay of Islands. Adventure activities, sightseeing,
cafes, bars and accommodation are all here. Whether you want to
jump out of the sky, dive under the ocean or explore the shore,
Paihia can point you in the right direction.
The Waitangi National Reserve, St. Pauls Church and other
historic sites, safe beaches and walking tracks are handy to
town. Its central location makes Paihia the hub of the Bay of
Islands.
OPUA
Maori place name: The place of Pua. Literally, o (the place of),
pua (flower).
The gateway to the Bay of Islands. Located where the Kawakawa
River and Waikeri River meet with the Bay stretching out
Northward to the sea. You can see the passenger ferry 5 km down
the bay going between Paihia and Russell.Waitangi is just beyond
Paihia and the entrance to the Kerikeri River is viewed near the
North end of the bay.
Here is where the overseas yachts first arrive in New Zealand
after making their South Pacific Ocean crossing. The charter
sailboats are based here that cruise through the bay. The Tucker
Thompson a top sail schooner and other cruise boats start out on
there daily excursions from the Opua Port. During the Year a few
cruise ships visit this hide away port.
The car ferry takes vehicles across the port to Okiato and the
road to Russell. The Coastal Walking Path starts in Opua the
Harrison Scenic Reserve (rain forest) is a twenty minute walk
and the scenic trip to Paihia takes three Hours. (a 5 km trip by
road, 10 minutes by car)
The community of Opua is small and centered around its
international recreational Port, Marina and the Wharf (fishing
is permitted). There are three charter boat companies and
several independent operators. There is a good restaurant and
take-a-way, small convenience store , Port operations office and
the Post Office is small, friendly and efficient. There is a
small boat launching ramp and a dingy dock. There are two boat
yards, sail repair, engine shop and other supporting services
making Opua a surprisingly good place to work on your boat.
Yacht moorings are available for short or long term rental. The
Opua Cruising Club is a local center of social activity in this
provincial community. A new 240 berth marina provides dockage
for local and overseas vessels.
ERIKERI
Maori place name: keep on digging.
Kerikeri was the pa site of the fearsome Maori chief Hongi Hika,
who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the
early 1800's. Assured by Hongi that they would be welcome, the
early missionaries to New Zealand from the English Church
Missionary Society, decided to make the Kerikeri Basin the site
of their second mission station. The rich soil which is today
known for its horticultural produce, would return plentiful
produce to sustain the group lead by Reverend Samuel Marsden.
John Butler built the country's oldest house, Kemp House in
1822. The Stone Store followed and by 1836 was in use as the
mission store. These wonderful buildings, together with the
replica Maori village, Rewa's village, on the opposite bank are
regarded as the "Cradle of the Nation" and are a must for all
visitors to the Bay of Islands.
Within minutes by car or an hour's walk from the Basin carpark
is the 27 metre Rainbow Falls (Anianiwaniwa-waters of the
rainbow). Further afield lies the Puketi Forest, an ideal place
to tramp and view kauris.
Kerikeri is noted for its arts and crafts and has an Art &Craft
Trail to add further interest to your stay.
The town has excellent sporting facilities, a championship golf
course, all-weather tennis court, a yacht club and numerous
intimate restaurants and cafes.
A wide variety of accommodation styles ensure your stay is
comfortable and today's Kerikeri is the bustling business and
commerce centre of the Bay of Islands. An extensive array of
shops and services, including the only cinema in the area, will
cater for all your requirements.
Kerikeri is where New Zealand bicultural society began and its
beautiful scenery, charm and historic basin will entice you.
Collect a Kerikeri Information Map and Kerikeri Art & Craft
Trail brochure from a local VIN Centre or accommodation source
| Sitemap |
Links 