A three-hour drive or 35 minute flight north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula and includes the boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. And then, comes the Far North – Whangaroa, and beyond. The playground of the ancient Gods and Godesses. The actual name of this small village of 110 residents, is Whaingaroa. In Maori tradition, the name commemorates the lament “whaingaroa” or “what a long wait” of a woman whose warrior husband had left for a foray to the south. Today the correct name is honoured by local iwi, who preserve the historic precedent in the name of our runanga, Te Runanga O Whaingaroa. Madhuban, our vacation rental, is located here.