Bay of Islands and Waitangi Day

February 6th is Waitangi Day and a public holiday across all of NZ. We are here in Waitangi itself - just luck that it worked out that way as we had not heard about the day until we got here. It seems to mean more to the Maoris than white Kiwis which is strange since the day commemorates the signing, in 1840, of a treaty that gave the sovereignty of all of NZ to our Crown!!
Waitangi is part of the town of Paihia where we are staying. First impressions were not all that good as it is quite busy with lots of tourists staying in lots of motels and not a good restaurant in site, but lots of lads carrying 6, 12 or larger packs of beer.
However the Treaty House, which still stands, is situated in lovely grounds and there is now some Maori buildings and a magnificent canoe.
Today we caught the boat to Urupukapuka, the largest of the islands in this bay and we realised why people rave about this part of NZ. The island is completely unspoilt. Zane Grey lived here and established it as a fishing centre and there is also a lot of Maori culture associated with the island. There are lots of walks around this hilly island and the views down to beautiful sandy beaches and across to other islands are some of the best we have ever seen. maybe I should reflect for a few days but I do think it is the most beautiful part of the world that I have ever seen. It does beat the views of the Marlborough Sound.
We wondered whether to visit Bay of Islands because it is such a popular resort area and we would rather be away from the crowds but we have today had views that we will never forget.