Have a gander at the Bay of Islands here - click on the town names for more detailed information.
Dolphins jump through the crystal bow wave of your boat as you sail past fabulous islands - each one full of history, fish, and strange bouncy grass. A great spot to explore and chill out.
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This is Pahia, looking out from town past the main beaches towards the pier and one of the mooring points for the local boats.
This is Russell, looking inland from the pier (where you arrive on the passenger ferry from Paihia), over the small town, and past Long Beach over towards the nearer islands.
This is Waitangi, looking upriver from the mouth of the estuary. The famous Waitangi Treaty House is just over the bridge to the right.
This is Opua, showing you the marina, looking towards the car ferry to Russell, and over towards Paihia. A peacefull seaside community, first port of call for most boats coming to New Zealand.
This is Roberton Island (Motuarohia in Maori), a popular anchorage and nice sandy beach - with natural swimming pools, and an underwater snorkel safari. There's a great view from this island, only 10 minutes walk up from the beach.
This is Urupukapuka, the largest island in the Bay. This island features as a stop on a few of the Bay tours as it has a restaurant and pier. It takes about 3 hours to walk around its tea-tree covered slopes, where you'll find old Maori fortifications and lookout points.
This is Cape Brett - this marks the farthest side of the Bay. There is an old lighthouse here. Some of the 'Hole in the Rock' tours stop here.
(click Play in the sidebar of Google Earth when you've loaded it up)
(open the folders in the sidebar of Google Earth when you've loaded it up)
Got google earth yet? It's a great way to explore the planet. (If you dont have it download google earth here)
Bayofislands.net has a free tour which you can download and open in google earth. It will fly you around the main towns in the bay, then zoom out to sea to check out some of the more popular spots.
Currently showing Paihia, Russell, Waitangi, Opua, Kerikeri, Motuarohia, Urupukapuka Island, Cape Brett, and of course a general view of the Bay of Islands.