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Collecting shellfish, Waitangi, Bay of IslandsBeach shop, Paihia, Bay of IslandsTe Whare Runanga meeting house, WaitangiWaitangi TreatyGrounds, RussellWaitangi is New Zealand’s mostrenowned historic site and is known asthe birthplace of the country. In 1840the Maori and the British Crown signedthe Treaty of Waitangi here and it soonbecame the basis of New Zealand’sconstitution. The Treaty House with itsbeautiful sweep of lawn running down tothe bay became a national memorial in1932. Inside are many photographs fromthe period and a copy of the originaltreaty, and across the lawn is theimpressively detailed Maori meetinghouse, ‘Te Whare Runanga’, which iscarved to represent all the major Maoritribes. It is well worth taking a guidedtour for greater insight into this significantchapter in New Zealand’s history.Russell Pier, Russell, Bay of IslandsCruising in the Bay of IslandsBay of IslandsOvernight CruiseAn overnight cruise is a delightfully relaxing wayto explore the beautifully secluded corners of theBay of Islands. Departing from the small port townof Opua, these 36 hour cruises provide fullcommentary on the history, environment andwildlife of the region. The Bay of Islands is hometo an abundance of marine life including dolphins,whales, seals and penguins, and a cruise gives youthe opportunity to get up close to these beautifulcreatures. The small ship is spread over twodecks and has just 30 en suite staterooms inaddition to a spacious sun deck, a restaurant anda bar. Dinner and breakfast are included andwhen the ship anchors you will be able to gosnorkelling, swimming and kayaking in the warmand clear waters.RussellIt requires a massive leap of imagination toconsider this small, peaceful township, nestled onsparkling shores in the heart of the Bay of Islandsas the ‘hell hole of the Pacific’, a moniker sprungfrom its lawless days as a whaling station. Thiscolourful past is artfully explored at PompallierHouse and the local museum. The village nowmaintains a genteel colonial charm, its quietstreets peppered with boutiques and galleriesdisplaying local arts and crafts. Set amongst lushsubtropical flora and with a selection of excellentrestaurants on the tranquil waterfront, it is aperfect secluded getaway.Arcadia Lodge, RussellArcadia Lodge, RussellArcadia lodge is an Audley favourite and overlooksone of the prettiest bays in Northland. The lodgeis full of character, is great value and with just fiverooms allows hosts David and Brad to provideattentive service during your stay. There are twocomfortable living spaces which are exclusively forguests’ use where you can relax and unwind aftera day exploring the local area. The expansive deckoverlooks the tranquil bay, and is the ideal placeto enjoy breakfast in the morning or a glass ofwine late in the day. The fruit-filled gardenprovides ingredients for homemade jams and thesmall herb garden is popular with returning guests.Many excursions out into the Bay of Islandsdepart from Russell, and Paihia is only a shortferry ride away allowing further exploration ofthis stunning region.KerikeriKerikeri was once home to the fearsome Maorichief Hongi Hika, but today is better known forcitrus orchards, historic buildings and arts andcrafts. New Zealand’s oldest stone and timberbuildings, the Stone Store and the Kerikeri MissionHouse are set virtually side-by-side in the heart oftown, still looking just as good as they did whenbuilt in the 1840s. Despite being just a smalltownship, Kerikeri has a lively café scene, plentyof wineries and several gourmet food producers.www.audleytravel.com/newzealand l 01993 838 820 l North Island 15