Indian Newslink 15th May 2017 Digital Edition

20
The Bay of Islands Special Feature
MAY 15, 2017
A brilliant page from history for a bright future
The Bay of Islands that shaped our Nation, our people
Ratna Venkat
ratna@indiannewslink.co.nz
In New Zealand, we have a beautiful
Māori saying, “Ka mua, ka muri,”
which means that in order to move
forward, one needs to look back.
In other words, the future is not
clear but the past is, and if we permit
ourselves to be guided by those who
have lived before us, we will learn
valuable lessons to help with our journey
into the future.
The Bay of Islands
Our recent trip to the Bay of Islands
on the east coast of New Zealand’s Far
North (about 250 km from Auckland)
was a stark reminder of this Māori proverb,
particularly when visiting the small,
yet significant towns of Russell, Paihia
and Waitangi; towns that contributed
towards the making of our nation.
Taking us back in time to the earliest
discovery of Aotearoa (Māori name for
New Zealand), from its very first settlers
to the official ‘birth’ of a nation, the Bay
of Islands are deeply engraved in New
Zealand’s historical timeline.
A place encoded with so much
heritage, culture and political changes,
along with its bonus of warm blue-green
waters, white sandy beaches and abundant
native wildlife, it is little wonder
that this humble sub-tropical region
consistently attracts visitors from around
the world, as well as from other parts of
New Zealand.
Hole in the Rock
One of the best ways of exploring the
Bay’s 144 islands is by taking a cruise
either from Russell or Paihia, for which
various packages are offered to the
public depending on areas of interests
and specific preferences.
The voyage we took (and would
recommend) is ‘Fullers GreatSights:
Hole-in-the-Rock Dolphin Cruise,’
with inclusions such as passing through
the hole in the rock (hence the name),
dolphin-watching and a brief stopover
at Urupukapuka Island for breath-taking
views overlooking Otehei Bay, suitable
for walk and trek enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, we could not cruise
through the hole in the rock due to poor
weather conditions that day, but we
were lucky enough to witness a pod of
bottlenose dolphins swimming by our
catamaran, and putting on a show of
their impressive acrobatic antics for us!
With the largest viewing decks in the
Bay, the ‘Hole-in-the-Rock Dolphin
Fullers GreatSights Cruise- A breath-taking view along the Bay Fullers GreatSights Cruise- Dolphins create waves on the Bay waters The Russell Mini Tour with Chris McIntyre is a must
The Duke Motel- A good home in Russel
Cruise’ is ideal for people of all ages
who wish to get close to these majestic
creatures in their natural, unprovoked
habitat.
The catamaran skipper, licensed by
the Department of Conservation (DOC),
provided us an informative commentary
throughout our cruise, and assured that
they do not influence the dolphins or other
marine mammals in any way; that they
swim towards the boat out of their own
will and curiosity.
First Voyager
Other attractions in this cruise package
include locating the spots of the first
Māori voyager, Kupe who set foot in the
Bay, followed by Captain James Cook,
the first European to arrive at the Bay, the
historic Cape Brett Lighthouse, and native
birdlife such as pied shags, gannets and
oystercatchers residing on cliff tops.
‘Fullers GreatSights: Hole-in-the-Rock
Dolphin Cruise’ is guaranteed to be the
best half day one will have in the Bay. For
bookings, please visit
http://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/bayof-islands-cruises/hole-in-the-rock/
and www.visitboi.co.nz/
Surprising Russell
After returning to Russel Wharf from
our cruise, we boarded a coach for another
adventure of New Zealand’s past, named
‘Fullers GreatSights: Russell Mini Tour.’
As the name suggests, this is a one-hour
mini guided tour around Russell, a now
peaceful law-abiding town that was once
notoriously known as “Hell Hole of the
Pacific,” given the bad reputation it had
Locally grown figs and honey at
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
A boutique property with nautical theme- Ratna Venkat at the Duke Motel
for being a lawless trading centre full of
drunken whalers, prostitutes and escaped
convicts from Australia.
Chris McIntyre, our guide, took us
back in time to several of these iconic
locations, now a part of Russell’s unique
heritage, while sharing his local insight of
the town.
Place of Many Firsts
We were surprised how little we
knew about New Zealand’s early history
before boarding the Mini Tour, especially
Russell’s many firsts (and oldest) sites in
New Zealand.
The first permanent European
settlement and seaport, along with being
the country’s first Capital.
In terms of infrastructure, Russell
proudly holds Christs’ Anglican Church
as the oldest surviving church, ‘The
Duke of Marlborough Hotel’ as the
oldest licensed hotel, bar and restaurant,
and Pompallier House as the oldest
industrial building and licensed pub in
New Zealand.
Big Little Town
Interestingly, Russell generates its own
water supply by totally depending on its
rainfall, which is why the water tastes
From the Water’s edge to the threshold of peace
Paihia opens its heart to the world
Paihia is affectionately known as
‘Jewel of the Bay of the Islands,’
access to which from Russell is
via the Opua ferry.
It is easy to see why it means ‘good
here’ in Māori, for not only is this an
excellent base to explore the Bay in all
its glory but the town itself is a lively
and colourful place full of warm-hearted
people.
Charlotte serves with passion
Our short stay in Paihia was well
spent at ‘Charlotte’s Kitchen,’ a newly
established restaurant and bar not so easy
to find, but located right at the end of
the pier where its eye-catching logo and
friendly staff instantly draw people.
Given its idyllic location near the
ocean, the beautiful view of the Bay is an
understatement, for one’s dining experience
is heightened either by the colours of the
setting sun or by the twinkling lights at night.
The restaurant’s unique name is in
remembrance of Charlotte Badger, a
criminal from the UK and allegedly the
first European woman to settle in New
Zealand, who was known for her passion,
strength and daring conquests.
Modernity rubs with the past
The interiors of the restaurant are also
noticeable, a blend where modernity meets
style, yet cosy at the same time.
‘Charlotte’s Kitchen’ is different from
other restaurants for it believes that meals
are to be shared, the way that families and
loved ones eat and share meals at home.
Hence, if food is a reason to bring
people closer together, then this place
would certainly create that ambience.
It is recommended to make a booking.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are
also available. Please visit http://www.
Charlotte’s Kitchen-
The name is a draw in Paihia
charlotteskitchen.co.nz/ and www.visitboi.
co.nz/
Slice of Heaven
With a commendable tagline such as
‘Jewel of the Bay,’ staying at ‘The Scenic
Hotel Bay of Islands,’ would be an apt
accommodation for any traveller to Paihia
(and other islands of the Bay).
100% New Zealand owned and
operated, the hotel is set at international
standards with a genuine feel of Kiwi
hospitality, welcoming guests ranging
Newport Handcrafted Chocolates- to eat and
to drink- at Russell
different yet pleasant compared to other
cities in New Zealand.
McIntyre also mentioned that the town
holds many expensive holiday homes of
which 60% are owned by wealthy people
residing overseas.
New Zealand’s most expensive rental
accommodation, called ‘Eagles Nest’ is
also based in this ‘big little town.’
The coach tour’s other attractions
include climbing atop the Flagstaff Hill
overlooking stunning views of the Bay,
as well as meeting a group of friendly
wekas, New Zealand’s native birds that
resemble the kiwi birds.
‘Fullers GreatSights: Russell Mini
Tour’ is a great way of visiting these areas
of past and present which cannot be easily
explored on foot.
To book online, please visit https://
www.dolphincruises.co.nz/bay-of-islandstours/discover-russell/
and www.visitboi.
co.nz/
The Dining experience
Keeping up with the historical theme, a
perfect way to wrap up one’s sightseeing
in Russell is to dine at ‘The Duke of
Marlborough Hotel,’ a heritage hotel, bar
and restaurant located a few metres away
Charlotte’s Kitchen- Indulge in cuisine luxuryhandcrafted
pizza with blue cheese and onion jam
from business and corporate visitors to
families, groups and individuals.
‘The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands’ is
one of the most naturesque hotels with
rooms surrounded by lush greenery and
island-inspired beauty, as though one
is amongst a rainforest but with all the
creature comforts!
To experience this slice of Kiwi
hospitality within the accommodation,
please visit http://scenichotelgroup.co.nz/
and www.visitboi.co.nz/
The Duke of Marlborough- New Zealand’s first and oldest Hotel
from the site of the Mini Tour.
The restaurant’s intriguing name was
coined in the 1830s by Johnny Johnston,
‘a convict-turned-good man,’ who was
regarded highly by the local Māori people.
The Duke of Marlborough at the time
was the world’s wealthiest man, and
Johnny’s decision to give the hotel this
new name sought to bring sophistication
and opulence to the so-called “Hell Hole
of the Pacific.”
A recipient of many awards, the restaurant
menu offers the best of locally sourced
seasonal produce, presenting a new take
on classic favourites, including a range of
vegetarian and gluten-free options.
To make a booking, please visit http://
theduke.co.nz/ and www.visitboi.co.nz/
Motel with Nautical theme
Russell’s history and culture has always
been associated with its neighbouring sea
and the vast ocean.
‘The Duke Motel,’ managed by the
owners of ‘The Duke Marlborough Hotel,’
and located within walking distance, is a
beautiful boutique motel that has sustained
this nautical theme across the nine
self-contained rooms it offers.
Ranging from two-bedroom units
to studios in an open setting with two
spacious barbecue areas and an outdoor
heated swimming pool, this accommodation
is perfect for couples, families or
those seeking an extra special stay while
exploring Russell and the rest of the Bay.
For more information on ‘The Duke
Motel,’ please visit http://www.dukemotel.
co.nz/ and www.visitboi.co.nz/
The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands- Where visitors
become friends
The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands-
From Nature to Stature
Pictures by Ratna Venkat