New Zealand
Bay of Islands
Some 144 islands scattered across the waters where modern New Zealand was founded.
Around 144 islands scatter across a bay so becalmed the water barely ripples between them, headlands overlapping so each turn of the ferry feels like a new entrance. Dolphins work these channels on their own terms β and on the Waitangi waterfront, the country's founding story waits with all its weight.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840, and the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi are the bay's essential act β a guided experience that is confronting, honest and the right way to begin. Around that anchor spreads a sailor's paradise: sheltered channels and easy anchorages between the islands, the Paihia-Russell ferry stitching together heritage towns, walking tracks on Urupukapuka, and the Hole in the Rock passage at Cape Brett for calm days. The bay is also a marine-mammal sanctuary with real teeth β vessels keep well clear of dolphins and whales, and nobody enters the water near them β so wildlife is an encounter the day may grant, never a product it sells. The Cape Brett Track walks the peninsula to the lighthouse at the bay's outer edge β the register's far, booted end.
Solo
The Cape Brett Track is a demanding walk to the lighthouse at the peninsula's tip, sunset over the islands as payment.
Couple
Sail-and-anchor evenings among the islands β the sanctuary's distances respected β are the bay's most romantic register.
Family
Waitangi's museums work for all ages, the ferry is an adventure in itself, and the bay's sheltered coves invite a swim.
- The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on this waterfront in 1840 β the founding act.
- Some 144 islands shelter the sailing, with anchorages for every wind.
- Sanctuary rules keep boats and swimmers well clear β dolphins meet you on their terms.
- Russell, Paihia and Urupukapuka add heritage streets and island trails to the water.
Rock oysters shucked at the water's edge from Northland's farms.
Line-caught kingfish sashimi, translucent-fresh, at a harbour table.
Riung 17 Islands
Indonesia
At dusk, thousands of flying foxes pour off one island and darken the strait.
Hole in the Wall
South Africa
Surf booms through a freestanding cliff pierced by one immense sea arch.
Tendaba
Gambia
Twelve-metre mangroves swallow the boat; somewhere in the tangle, a fishing owl watches.
Dawki
India
A border river flowing so transparent that fishing boats appear to float in mid-air.
Lake Matheson
New Zealand
Tannic black water that mirrors Aoraki so sharply the reflection outdoes the peak.
ΕpΔrara Basin
New Zealand
Limestone arches spanning a tea-black river in forest that swallows the light.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
A gold-rush town where autumn turns every tree amber above Chinese miners' cottages.
Oamaru
New Zealand
Victorian limestone streets host a steampunk imagination while penguins parade at dusk.