Visiting the Bay of Islands is like stepping into a quiet nook of New Zealand’s Northland. The area is made up of 144 islands that are scattered off the coast of Paihia, which is a three-hour drive from Auckland.

Because of its warm, temperate climate, the Bay of Islands is the perfect place for sailing, kayaking, deep sea fishing and water sports. The area is also a great stopover point on your travels to Cape Reinga, on the tip of the North Island. This iconic location is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet to form a twist in the water. The cape is also where Māori spirits return to their homeland, Hawaiki.

There is much Māori history in this far north area. Perhaps the most important piece of Māori history lies at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is only 170 metres from the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands.