One of the most beautiful and interesting corners of New Zealand, Bay of Islands is renowned for its coastal scenery, unspoilt beaches, historic towns and superb sea fishing.

Its magnificent, irregular coastline extends for about 800 km and encompasses some 150 offshore islands, all within 50 km of the coast in North Island.

The British explorer Captain James Cook landed at Poverty Bay in 1769. The first European town grew in the Bay of Islands at Kororareka (later known as Russell), and the first Christian mission was founded nearby in 1814.

Now Russell is an elegant, historic town in the Bay of Islands. Many of the pages of this country's history were written in and around this picturesque little town.

The Bay of Islands is the birthplace of the nation. Situated on the western shores of the Bay of Islands, Waitangi is in many respects one of the most historic places in New Zealand and was the site of the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori chiefs and European leaders.

The region has been a favourite tourist destination since the 1930s when a road connecting North Island with Auckland to south was built.

Sea kayaking, sailing, cruising, diving, water-skiing, marlin fishing and swimming with dolphins are all popular activities in this New Zealand paradise. Bay of Islands holds the world records for both broadbill swordfish (369 kg) and striped marlin (243 kg).

On the way to the Bay of Islands, why not stop in Waipoua Forest - home to around 300 species of native trees, palms and ferns, including magnificent specimens of giant kauri trees. Meet a national icon, the mighty Tane Mahuta (the Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world. Estimated to be 2,000 years old, his mighty girth is over 13 metres and he stands an impressive 51 metres tall.