Bay Of Islands

A blown-up copy of the Treaty of Waitangi.

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We crossed over from West coast to East towards Paihia and Waitangi, where the famous Treaty of Waitangi was signed. It was basically a treaty signed by the Maori which allowed the British to buy land which the Maori wished to sell in exchange for protection. (!!!!!!!!). It is a hugely complicated matter but it is true that part of the problem was the fact that many parts of the treaty were lost in translation. On the other hand it is simple in the sense that as expected the British did not keep their end of the bargain and they ended up with most of the land (some by suspect means). It is in today’s New Zealand that the treaty is really trying to be enforced and it is central to the politics of New Zealand. There is a nice visitor centre there where we listened to some tradtional Maori song and dance.

The ceromonial wharenui at Waitangi.

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We drove on to Russel, crossed over on a Ferry to the first European settlement in New Zealand (formerly nicknamed the "Hell of the Pacific") and then carried on south along the east coast towards Whangarei where we stayed for the last night at a lovely little spot by the Whangerei Falls where the kiddies swam and played with other kids. We had some nice takeway pizza and an enjoyable last night to our campervan trip.

We've had a great time, seen many things and not fallen out too many times. I think it was just the right length of trip too as the enthusiam was just beginning to fade and the cabin fever just starting to grow. In summary - we were really excited about getting to Auckland and seeing the Develters...