New Zealand
Bay of Islands
A hundred and forty-four islands where dolphins thread waters where New Zealand was founded.
One hundred and forty-four islands scatter across a bay so sheltered that the water barely ripples between them. Dolphins surface alongside kayaks in the Bay of Islands, close enough to hear the exhale through their blowholes. This is where New Zealand's modern history began.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840, establishing the relationship between the British Crown and Māori iwi that still defines New Zealand's political landscape. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds sit on the waterfront at Paihia, offering a guided experience that is confronting, honest, and essential. Beyond the history, the bay is a sailing paradise — sheltered channels between islands provide anchorage in all conditions. The Cape Brett Hole in the Rock is a natural tunnel through a headland that tour boats pass through in calm weather. Big-game fishing for marlin and kingfish draws anglers from across the Pacific.
Solo
The Cape Brett Track is a challenging overnight hike to the lighthouse at the bay's eastern edge. The hut sleeps twelve and the sunset over the islands is yours.
Couple
Chartering a yacht to anchor in a private bay overnight — with dolphins threading between the islands at dawn — is Bay of Islands at its most romantic.
Family
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers a cultural experience that works for all ages, and the calm bay waters are safe for swimming and kayaking with children.
- Dolphins swim alongside kayaks between the 144 islands, often close enough to hear them breathe.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds sit on the waterfront — the founding document of modern New Zealand was signed here.
- The sailing is sheltered by islands in every direction, with anchorages accessible to novice skippers.
- Seasonal marlin and kingfish runs draw anglers from across the Pacific to these warm northern waters.
Rock oysters shucked dockside at the Opua Marina farmers' market.
Line-caught kingfish sashimi so fresh the flesh is still translucent.
Duke of Marlborough pub — New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel, serving cold beer since 1840.
Riung 17 Islands
Indonesia
Thousands of flying foxes dropping from mangrove trees to block the dusk sky.
Hole in the Wall
South Africa
The ocean punched a tunnel through the cliff — Xhosa elders say sea people live beyond.
Tendaba
Gambia
Mangrove creeks so tangled your boat guide navigates by birdsong, not by sight.
Dawki
India
A border river flowing so transparent that fishing boats appear to float in mid-air.
Lake Matheson
New Zealand
Tannic black water mirrors Aoraki so perfectly that reflections look more real than the peaks.
Ōpārara Basin
New Zealand
Limestone arches span a black-water river in a forest so dense the canopy swallows all light.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
A gold-rush town where autumn turns every tree amber and Chinese miners' cottages still stand.
Oamaru
New Zealand
Victorian limestone buildings house a steampunk village while blue penguins parade ashore at dusk.