Take a journey in a traditional maori canoe (waka).
Far in the distance (marked with a white mast next to the tall pine) is the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

There are many little bays in Paihia with sandy beaches and even many more islands - about 140, thus the name of the area - "Bay of Islands"

Max. speed of the boat 45 knots.
Awesome tours to the Hole in the Rock.

I see this guy almost every morning... in the mirror. His red outfit wakes me up.

We've gone through the hole. Water on the other side of the Rock was boiling with fish feeding on the plankton brought here by currents. Sharks can be encountered here too.

We are near to enter that little cave on our big boat.

It doesn't look small anymore.

The largest island in Bay of Islands. One of few islands (or may be the only one?) in Bay of Island where camping is allowed.

Looks like one of those America's Cup boats to me.

Many adventures start here.

That day there was a Sand Castle Competition in Paiha. The boy obviously started with the underground garage first.

In their own likeness.

Althogh King-Kong was dominating, there were some other creatures as well.

Treaty of Waitangi was signed here.

The house was built in 1940 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Poi - a ball on a cord - was originally used by maori warriors to develop wrists strength and flexibility.

Maori war dance.