This is an unashamed plug for the Northland District of New Zealand.  Northland is semi-tropical in climate and has the best Big Game fishing in the world.  Zane Grey the celebrated American Author, spent most of his leisure time in the Bay of Islands big game fishing off the east coast.

This Broadbill Swordfish weighed in at 229 Kg (504 lbs)!  Caught on Sunday, 18 June 2000 off the Bay of Islands

Historic Pompalier House nestles against the side of a hill at Russell, Bay of Islands, the cradle of early New Zealand European Settlement.  Bishop Pompalier a French Priest established a Printing shop here in the 1830's.  The Bishop's remains have recently been returned to New Zealand for burial, from France.   Pompalier House is now a popular Museum and working Print Shop.

HMNZS Waikato has done her time!  She has been sunk off Tutukaka as a diving attraction, and artificial reef.  The ship went to her watery grave 1.5 km off Tutukaka Point.  The Waikato shown here tied up at Opua wharf (Bay of Islands), awaiting her fate.

Contrary to popular belief, there are passenger train services in Northland!! - sometimes!  A NZ Rail railcar seen recently from State Highway 1, just south of Hikurangi, heading north on an excursion to Hukerenui, where the passengers had lunch at the popular Hukerenui Tavern.