Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a must-see, representing the birthplace of the nation. It is an easy walk or short shuttle ride from the tender piers and offers cultural performances, a museum, and historic buildings.

A short and scenic passenger ferry ride from Paihia takes you to the charming and historic village of Russell, New Zealand's first capital. Its waterfront is lined with historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants.

No visit is complete without a boat tour of the bay itself. Most excursions include a trip to Piercy Island to see the famous 'Hole in the Rock' and offer opportunities for dolphin watching.

The historic town of Kerikeri is a popular excursion, located about a 25-30 minute drive from Paihia. It is known for its arts and crafts trail, wineries, and for being home to New Zealand's oldest surviving European buildings, the Mission House and the Stone Store.

For a nature-focused trip, the Puketi Kauri Forest is about a 30-minute drive inland. Visitors can experience towering ancient kauri trees from an elevated boardwalk, offering a glimpse into New Zealand's prehistoric forests.

Cruise ships do not dock in the Bay of Islands but instead anchor in the calm, sheltered waters of the bay. Passengers are transferred to shore via tender boats, which is an experience in itself.

Tenders typically arrive at the wharf in Paihia, the main service town for the bay. The Paihia waterfront is immediately adjacent to the tender drop-off point and is bustling with tour operators, cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Some cruise lines may also offer a separate tender service directly to the Waitangi wharf, providing direct access to the Treaty Grounds.

The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). US Dollars or other foreign currencies are not generally accepted for direct payment.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and for tour bookings. ATMs are readily available in the main tourist town of Paihia, usually near the waterfront where tenders arrive.

It is always a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency for minor purchases or in smaller establishments.

The Bay of Islands is a very safe and welcoming destination for tourists, and it is generally safe to explore independently on foot in the main towns.

Standard travel precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas, and being aware of your surroundings.

If participating in water sports or swimming, pay attention to local advice regarding currents and conditions. For official safety information, travelers can consult the New Zealand Police website for visitor advice.

The Bay of Islands enjoys a warm, sub-tropical climate. During the primary cruise season (summer, December to March), average daily high temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F).

The region receives sunshine year-round, but passing showers can occur at any time, so it's wise to be prepared. Packing light layers, including a light rain jacket and a warmer layer for boat trips or cooler evenings, is highly recommended.

Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, is essential as the New Zealand sun can be very strong.

The main hubs of Paihia and Russell are very walkable, and many attractions, shops, and cafes are easily reached on foot from the tender piers.

A popular and scenic way to travel between the towns is via the passenger ferry that runs continuously between the Paihia and Russell wharves.

For destinations further away, such as Kerikeri, taxis and pre-booked shuttle buses are the most common options. Public bus services exist in the region but may have infrequent schedules not suited for a short port stay. Ride-sharing services are not typically available in this area.

The main shopping areas are concentrated along the waterfront and main streets of Paihia and Russell. In Paihia, you'll find a mix of souvenir shops, galleries, and clothing stores.

Look for local specialties such as items carved from native Kauri wood, greenstone (pounamu) carvings, and jewelry made from the iridescent Paua shell.

Russell offers a more boutique shopping experience with unique art galleries and craft shops. Prices are fixed, and bargaining is not part of the local culture.