Tour to Paihia (BAY OF ISLANDS) New Zeland We went by Car from Auckland to Paihia. It is a small excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. We took Cruise. The cruise took us to the following Islands Russell – Historic sea side village. It was like heaven . ( MY OPINION IS : If it is a CLEAN city with hills and water around of course it is heaven. ) Moturoa Island - the second largest island in the Bay. It is Framed with sheep and serviced by the famous Cream Trip cruise. Black Rocks : An extensive chain of unusual volcanic rocks, bird rookeries and interesting flora Marsden Cross – This is where the reverennd Samuel Marsden held New Zeland’s first Christian sermon on Christmas day 1814. Was home to a prominent Maori Chief named “Te Pahi”. Assassination cove : The site where Marion du Fresne was killed in 1772. Roberton island - Capt. James Cook anchored the”Endeavouir” off this island. The Roberton family were tragically killed here. Moturua Island – A wildlife reserve, home to some of New Zealand’s rarest and endangered birds including the saddleback, north island robin and spotted kiwi. (But I have not seen a single spotted Kiwi there) Motukiekie – A privately ownedisland (29 hectares) Otehei Bay – Beautiful beaches nature walks and camping facilities. Urupukapuka Island – Largest island in the Bay and many fine sandy beaches. Okahu island – A scenic reserve Cape brett and piercy island – The Cape Brett lighthouse is here. And also renowned as “The Hole in the Rock” – This Piercy island 148 metres above sea level. This is the place we see in some of our Tamil and Hindi movies.
