Waitangi in the Bay of Islands is an extensive parkland area where the treaty between the native Maoris and the English was signed.
Peace has more or less reigned since that time and if it is a peaceful location you are after, then this certainly fits the bill.
Set on a small headland next to the treaty grounds, this low-rise development is more reminiscent of the Caribbean than New Zealand. The many white sand fringed islands in the turqouise Bay add to this feeling as you stroll through the palms of the landscaped grounds.
The hotel has a lagoon style series of linked swimming pools, bounded by grey rocks and even has an outdoor jucuzzi feature.
Style abounds here and the spacious internal public areas are delightfully decorated and kept spotlessly clean.
The rooms are equally lovely, having views to the Bay or parkland.
This is an out of town hotel, a fifteen minute stroll around the headland drive bringing you to the small town itself.
A short ferry ride across the Bay brings you to the township of Russell, one of the original settler's towns, although now much quieter than the boisterous reputation it once had. The oldest bar in New Zealand is one of the claims to fame here.
You must not miss the highlight of my trip. A tall ship, the R.Tucker Thompson offers a half day tour of the Bay, around the islands. Mooring off a remote island, tourists are dropped off to explore by rib boat and then treated to an on board barbeque on the way back. Sounds expensive? Not at all, very reasonable and a 'must-do' activity during which you can climb the rigging or steer the ship, before returning to the sanctuary of the hotel with it's idyllic views and relaxing atmosphere.
