Brian and Amy in Russell

Day 2 Headed North

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November 8th 2007
Today we headed toward the northern most part of the island. The weather was great (if you’re a duck). Lot’s of rain. We hopped on a charter bus from Auckland to Paihia, about 4 hours north. Our driver, Wes, was Maori, the original settlers of New Zealand. They are distant cousins of Hawaiians. Wes taught us a bit about the people and the language. Kia oro (key-orda) is thanks! Who knew ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Paihia

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more