Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands (named in 1769 by Captain James Cook) is an amazing 16 kilometre wide harbour with 144 beautiful islands, some being reserves, some lived on and some being farmed.

Most tourists take a cruise to see the beauty of the bay, the famous Hole in the Rock by Cape Brett with its lighthouse, swim with dolphins, or get the adrenaline pumping on a jetboat.

The Bay of Islands was the first place of contact between Maori and Europeans, the whaling and trading station of Russell was later New Zealand’s first town and capital. The region still has many historic places of national value.

The hospital is located inland at Kawakawa but within commuting distance of coastal centres like the tourist hub Paihia and the boutique town of Kerikeri.