SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

New Zealand is a country where breathtaking view follows breathtaking view and this is equally true of the Bay of Islands.

Flagstaff hill, home of the notorious flagstaff that was chopped down by Hone Heke on four occasions as a protest against British Rule, provides a superb lookout for the whole Bay. A mosaic on the hill allows you to get your bearings. From here you can look out to Waitangi where the Treaty was signed as well as across the entire bay and back across Russell. Long Beach looks out to the Islands in the Bay and is the perfect place for a swim and a picnic. Both are within an easy walk from Russell township.

Further afield, and within easy drive from Russell is the Te Rawhiti (the East) peninsula. From here you can meander across the Ngaiatonga Saddle Road (an unsealed and for the adventurous only) and head back on the coastal road (fully sealed) which takes you through beautiful unspoilt bays. Out on the Rawhiti peninsula you will find unspoilt beaches, and spectacular views out to Assassination Cove where Marion du Fresne's crew met their unfortunate demise.