THE BAY OF ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

The Bay of Islands is a historically significant region located in the North Island of New Zealand. Its history dates back to ancient times when the area was inhabited by the indigenous Māori people. Here's a brief overview of the history of the Bay of Islands:

Māori

Settlement: The Māori people have a long history in the Bay of Islands region, with evidence suggesting that they have inhabited the area for several centuries. The fertile lands, abundant seafood, and strategic location made the bay an attractive place to settle. The Māori established thriving communities and engaged in fishing, farming, and trade.

European

Exploration and Contact: In the late 18th century, European explorers began to visit the Bay of Islands. The British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in the area in 1769, during his first voyage to New Zealand. Cook's interactions with the Māori and his detailed mapping of the coastline contributed to European knowledge of the region.

Missionary

Activity: The early 19th century saw the arrival of Christian missionaries to the Bay of Islands, seeking to convert the Māori to Christianity. The most notable mission station was established at Paihia in 1823 by Henry Williams, who played a significant role in facilitating communication between the Māori and the British government.

Treaty of Waitangi:

One of the most pivotal moments in New Zealand's history occurred in the Bay of Islands. On February 6, 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed at Waitangi, a historic site within the bay. The treaty established British sovereignty over New Zealand while guaranteeing Māori rights and protections. However, differing interpretations of the treaty's terms led to conflicts between the British settlers and the Māori, resulting in the New Zealand Wars.

Colonial Settlement and Development:

After the signing of the treaty, European settlers began to establish communities in the Bay of Islands region. Russell (formerly known as Kororāreka) became an early European settlement and an important trading port. The town faced challenges, including lawlessness and clashes between European settlers and Māori.

Whaling and Maritime Activity:

During the 19th century, the Bay of Islands was a hub for whaling and maritime activities. The region's natural harbours and abundant marine life attracted whalers, traders, and sailors from around the world. This maritime industry played a significant role in the region's economy.

Tourism and Preservation:

In the 20th century, the Bay of Islands began to transition from a centre of industry to a tourist destination. Its stunning natural beauty, historical sites, and recreational opportunities attracted visitors from New Zealand and beyond. Efforts were also made to preserve the region's historic sites and protect its natural environment.

Today, the Bay of Islands remains a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque landscapes, water-based activities, and historical significance. It continues to honour its Māori heritage and serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between indigenous peoples and European settlers in New Zealand's history.

Well it’s breakfast in bed for our second last stop in the Bay of Islands.

There is no port facility in the Bay of Islands for a ship as large as this, so passengers board the ship’s tenders for the short journey in.

The Bay of Islands was something of a surprise. It is massive! The bay itself is an irregularly shaped 16 km wide ‘drowned valley’ system following massive volcanic activity over the millennia  and has become a natural harbour; it contains 144 islands, of which the largest is Urupukapuka, and numerous peninsulas and inlets. The three largest inlets are Waikato Inlet in the south, and Kerikeri and Te Puna inlets in the north-west.  The Purerua Peninsula North of Te Puna Inlet separates the north western part of the bay from the Pacific Ocean. The biggest town is Kerikeri followed by Paihai. The small town of Russell is located at the end of a short peninsula that extends into the bay from the South.

We also witnessed on our departure on this cool but clear evening countless flying fish seemingly darting back and forth. We have seen them occasionally on past voyages but these were putting on quite a performance.

Flying fish are ray-finned fish with highly modified pectoral fins. Despite their name, flying fish are not capable of powered flight. Instead they propel themselves out of the water at speeds of more than 60 km/h. Once in the air, their rigid fins allow them to glide for up to 200 m. The wing like pectoral fins are primarily for gliding; the fish holds its fins flat at their sides when swimming. Their streamlined sides reduce drag when ‘flying’. Another characteristic of the flying fish is its unevenly forked tail. Flying fish can be up to 45 cm long but average 17 to 30 cm.

It is thought they evolved this capacity to escape being eaten by larger fish. Very ingenious!

Now two days at sea to Sydney.

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