New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

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Situated in the north of New Zealand, Bay of Islands is a mini-paradise, perfect for sun lovers and vacationers looking to unwind.

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Set in Northland, Bay of Islands is famous for its beaches, which makes it a popular <a href="/new-zealand/">New Zealand destination</a>, particularly during the summer. The town of Paihia is full of restaurants and coffee shops, many of which have outdoor terraces for when the weather is good. It's a laid back place and I quickly felt at home. A short boat crossing got me to Russell, a town with several museums that has kept its colonial architecture and where one of the exhibitions showcases Maori art. Several trails lead off from this market town, which gave me the chance to explore its amazing coastline. My first walk took me to an isolated bay, accessible at low tide and which has a panoramic view of Paihia. Along the way I spied a baby Kiwi looking for food, which is, apparently, a very rare sight. These native, iconic New Zealand birds are nocturnal, so hard to spot. One local couple told me that I'd had the chance to witness something that 4.5 million residents had not! The second trail led to Tapeka Point, on which a lighthouse sits looking across the sea. And likewise, the view of the coast was breathtaking.

Situated in the north of New Zealand, Bay of Islands is a mini-paradise, perfect for sun lovers and vacationers looking to unwind.

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