On 6 February 1840 Maori chiefs signed their first accord with the British Crown - the Treaty of Waitangi. This resulted in the declaration of British sovereignty over New Zealand in May 1840. The Treaty is infamous due to the fact that it was written up in English and Maori (since Maori did not speak English) and it later turned out that both versions were far from direct translations. English version gave Britain sovereignty over New Zealand and gave the Governor the right

My second day in the Bay of islands was all about travelling as far north as possible. Our day trip would take us to Puketi Kauri Forest, Ninety Mile Beach, Cape Reinga - the northern est point of New Zealand accessible to public, and to the sand dunes. This particular day trip is part of Stray's Patch Pass and is operated by the company Great Sights who also organises other popular trips like Hole in The Rock & Dolphin Half Day Cruise (I have taken this cruise on my last day

It was the last week of September when it was time for me to start my first proper New Zealand Adventure to the North of the North Island. This area is also know as Northland Region and subregion Bay of Islands. Once I have booked my hop-on-hop-of bus pass with Stray (Patch Pass) and my accommodation with Haka Lodge Paihia, (use this link for a discount on your next booking of any accommodation) I was ready to go. Our journey started with an early pick up in Auckland and had