Whangaroa
Back in 1809, Whangaroa became the site of murder and revenge. When The Ngati Pou Iwi discovered that Te Ara (George to the Europeans) a high-born tribesman had been suffered gross mistreatment while working as part of the crew aboard the Boyd ship, they swore utu or revenge. When it got to Whangaroa, they stormed the ship, stealing the cargo, killing about 70 Europeans and burning the leftovers. The mutual hate then got out of control with both sides seemingly adhering to an eye-for-an-eye campaign. The Boyd was in turn avenged by a British whaler who set alight a Maori settlement. Over the next five years attacks of revenge and retribution would be played out by both sides.
To get here take a 6km detour off SH10. Also known as the Marlin Capital of New Zealand, Whangaora has been a fishermen's paradise since the early colonial days. Legends and tales of aquatic victory are all to be found at the town's centrepiece the Whangaroa Big Gamefish Club. Once you're here don't forget to sample the big, juicy oysters and scallops for which the town is famous.