Kauri Cliffs stands on the brink of Matauri Bay, one of many in the Bay of Islands. Located on the east coast of New Zealand close to its northern extremity, the Bay of Islands is one of the most flagrantly gorgeous parts of the country, a maritime paradise where the sea is studded with 144 green islands. This is also one of the warmest parts of New Zealand, with a mild climate that makes this an exhilarating destination all year round.

A cruise through the islands is an essential experience but the view of the islands is even better from a helicopter, and flights can be easily arranged through Kauri Cliffs. The Bay of Islands is one of the world’s premier big game fishing grounds. Record marlin and several species of shark have been caught here, and several big game fishing operators in the area offer fully rigged charter boats and skilled crews. The Bay of Islands also offers some of the finest scuba diving in the country, particularly around Cape Brett, where the marine life includes moray eels, stingrays, and groper.

It was close to the nearby town of Paihia that the history of modern New Zealand began with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the foundation document for modern New Zealand. At the northern end of town, on the far side of the Waitangi River, a side road turns right toward the Waitangi National Reserve and the Treaty House, the simple white timber cottage where the treaty was signed in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs. On the northern boundary of Waitangi National Reserve is Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house, with an elaborately carved interior.

The second town in the Bay of Islands is Russell, which is located at the tip of a peninsula opposite Paihia. Originally known by its Maori name, Kororareka, early in the 19th century last this was a swashbuckling frontier town, a haven for sealers and whalers who found one of the richest whaling grounds on earth along the east coast of New Zealand. After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Russell was the national capital until 1844. Today, Russell is a delightful little town of timber houses and big trees which swoon low over the seafront, framing the yachts and the big game fishing boats in the harbour. The atmosphere of the town can best be absorbed in a stroll along The Strand, the path which runs along the waterfront.

At the southern end of The Strand is Pompallier House, named after the first Catholic bishop of the South Pacific. Marist missionaries built the original structure of rammed earth, a technique known as pise in their native France. For several years the priests and brothers operated a press here, printing bibles in the Maori language. This original building now forms the core of the elegant timber house that now stands on the site.