Welcome to New Zealand!

After 1,300 miles and 2 ½ days of a roller coaster ride on the high seas, we are anchored in the Bay of Islands.

New Zealand has a North Island and a South Island. The Bay of Islands is in the northern region of New Zealand’s North Island.

The Bay of Islands is a cluster of 150 islands that are rocky, rugged, and easy on the eyes.

New Zealand’s earliest Maori settlers migrated here more than 700 years ago. Maori and British missionaries first met here in 1814. Charles Darwin took a break from evolving theories to stop by shortly after that. And in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here between British colonists and Maori chiefs.

Despite being tossed around like a salad for a couple days, we decided the best way to see this slice of paradise was, ironically, from a boat.

The many undeveloped beaches are surrounded by a vibrant blue and turquoise color water.

The area is also a haven for marine life. We saw bottleneck dolphins, schools of fish, a couple of chill seals lounging about, and even a penguin.

Hole in the Rock is an iconic landmark on Piercy Island. The archway was formed over centuries by wind and waves eroding the island’s sorter rock, creating a large hole that boats can pass through when the tide and conditions are right. We had the right conditions, and our boat passed through the arch. Nature’s own thrill ride.

If I had to sum up the Bay of Islands in one word, it would be…breathtaking.

Next stop on our adventure? Stay tuned. It’s hard to top this, but we’ll give it a go!