Bay of Islands, New Zealand – Travel Buddies: Pete & Joan

2024

The Bay of Islands, located on the eastern ridge of the North Island, is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and historic areas. It is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush green hills, and abundant marine life. This is a breathtakingly beautiful area!!

This area also holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of the nation. It is where Māori culture first encountered European settlers, leading to a rich tapestry of shared history.

Kawaiti Glowworm Caves

Glow worms (the species was Arachnocampa luminosa) are fascinating creatures! Despite their name, they are not actually worms but rather the larval stage of a species of fungus gnat.

These larvae emit a bioluminescent glow in order to attract prey…our guide said the brightest white/yellow ones are that color because they are hungry! Other colors, like blue are babies, green are teenagers, etc.

The light emitted by glow worms serves a dual purpose of attracting prey and aiding in navigation. Their sticky silk threads hang down from the ceiling (like a glowing strands of pearls.) After small insects are drawn to this light and become ensnared in the threads, the glow worms use their strong jaws to reel in their prey and consume them.

This is not my picture; rather one taken from the web to demonstrate what we could not see very well in the dark!

Once they hatch, the adults have an incredibly short life span. The adult fly cannot feed and lives only a few days – enough time to mate, and for the female to lay about 100 eggs for the next generation!

We were not allowed to take pictures in the cave….but the guide did say that if we had no flash and she was not looking….it might be possible! Well, I snapped one……not nearly as exciting as actually being in the cave! But, a good memory jogger nonetheless!

The sight of these tiny glowing creatures against the backdrop of the cave walls creates a surreal experience.

I just had to add these pics from Kawakawa!!

During our lunch stop, I entered the ladies restroom at Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. I know how tidy and neat New Zealand is, but I have never seen such a beautifully designed latrine! And I did not even have to “pay to enter!”

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Another unique thing about this lovely town is a train that runs, quite literally, through the middle of it! The tracks are easy to spot because of the red paint!

Manginangina Kauri Walk

The Manginangina Kauri Walk is a beautiful forest walk located in a Northland, NZ forest. This walk offered a chance to experience the grandeur of ancient Kauri trees and immerse ourselves in a pristine natural environment.

Kauri trees are among the world’s largest and longest-living trees, with some specimens estimated to be over 2,000 years old. We saw signs for “Tiakina ou Kauri”….a phrase in the Māori language that translates to “Protect your Kauri.”There is an initiative aimed at conserving and safeguarding the Kauri trees, which are native to New Zealand and hold significant ecological and cultural importance.

Kauri forests create unique ecosystems that support a wide range of flora and fauna. The trees themselves play a crucial role in the forest environment by providing habitat and food for various species. For the Māori people, Kauri trees are taonga (treasures) with deep spiritual and cultural significance. They are featured prominently in Māori mythology and are valued for their timber and gum, which have been used for centuries in carving and building.

The primary threat to Kauri trees is a disease known as Kauri dieback, caused by a pathogen. The soil-borne pathogen infects the tree’s roots, leading to the tree’s eventual death. There is no known cure for Kauri dieback, and it can spread through soil movement, making it a significant challenge to manage.

To protect vulnerable Kauri areas, some tracks and trails may be upgraded with boardwalks to minimize soil disturbance and prevent the spread of the disease. This ensures that human activity does not contribute to the pathogen’s spread.

KeriKeri Mission Station

We did not have time to enter, but this is an enchanting scene: a sleepy Northland river basin where two of Aotearoa’s (Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand) oldest buildings, one made of stone, one of timber, sit nestled on the riverbank, with an orchard and flowerbeds. Kerikeri Mission Station is idenitified as a Tohu Whenua heritage site, a place that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, is a pivotal cultural landmark that offers insights into New Zealand’s founding document and its impact on the nation’s history. The well-preserved grounds, museums, and interactive exhibits help visitors to gain an understanding of the treaty’s significance. Unfortunately, the museum was closing when we arrived so we missed out.

The treaty is considered New Zealand’s founding document and is pivotal in the relationship between the indigenous Māori people and the British Crown. Today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds serve as a cultural and historical center, welcoming visitors to learn about the treaty’s history, the Māori culture, and the ongoing significance of the agreement.

Though we could not enter, we did discover a few interesting things…like this Māori War Canoe.

Māori War Canoe

Māori war canoes, known as waka taua, are a significant part of New Zealand’s Māori cultural heritage, symbolizing the maritime prowess and craftsmanship of the Māori people. These canoes were meticulously crafted from large logs, primarily totara wood, prized for its durability and buoyancy.

The warriors aboard were highly disciplined, with their paddling synchronized to powerful chants and songs, known as haka, that boosted morale and intimidated enemies. In addition to their use in warfare, canoes held significant ceremonial and social roles within Māori society. They were used in important events such as tribal gatherings, funerals, and the transportation of high-ranking individuals. The construction and launch were surrounded by elaborate rituals and prayers, reflecting the deep spiritual connection the Māori had with these vessels.

Construction was a communal effort involving skilled carvers, who adorned the canoes with intricate carvings that often depicted tribal history, ancestors, and spiritual motifs.

This would be a New Zealand location to which I would LOVE to return.