James Cook visited the bay in 1769 and gave it its name – The Bay of Islands. More than 140 small island and inlets can be found here at the east coast (Pacific Ocean).

But more important from a historic point of view it is the place where the Treaty of Waitangi has been signed. The first contract between the Maori and British government and the founding document of New Zealand.
For a short time the small wale fishing port Russell was also capital of the country!

A short walk up to the Flagstaff hill provided us an excellent view over Russel and the stunning nature!