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Russel, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
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Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 8:00 AM |
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Russel, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Arrived this morning at Russel, via the Okiato-Opua Vehicle Ferry, a small ferry boat, which holds about 8 cars. Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and the first permanent European settlements. There is also a ferry boat to the town of Paihia.
This view of Russell was taken from atop Flagstaff Hill. The British flew the Union Jack from the staff. Flagstaff Hill is said to be the spot where Maori chieftain Hone Heke threatened to chop down the Pakeha flagstaff several times in the 1840s. It is obvious that this is a great vantage point for views of Russell and the surrounding Bay of Islands.
After leaving Russell, I went up to the Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds. It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between the Maori and the British Empire. The Treaty grounds are considered the birthplace of New Zealand. The Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds houses the historic Treaty House, a fully carved Maori Meeting House, Maori War Canoe and Exhibitions, with extensive park-like grounds with abundant native bird life, heritage trees and wonderful Bay views. |
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