A subtropical bay where modern New Zealand began
The Bay of Islands, in the far north of New Zealand, is a sheltered bay of about 150 islands and deep inlets with a warm, subtropical climate. It is where modern New Zealand began: the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori chiefs was signed at Waitangi in 1840, and the Treaty Grounds are now a moving museum and marae. Russell, across the water from Paihia, was the first European settlement. Boats sail out to see dolphins and to the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett.