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Bay of Islands

 



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Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastlines and spectacular forest, Northland is also rich in a unique history that ties both Maori and non-Maori people together. Bay of Islands belongs to the Northland region and includes Kerikeri, Waitangi, Paihia and Russell.

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The Bay of Islands provides a maritime park of over 144 islands and bays with miles of white sandy beaches to explore. It is a very popular fishing and sailing destination and is renowned internationally for big game fishing. Incredible marine life including dolphins can be found playing amongst the islands, most famous of which is the Hole in the Rock.

Historical sites can be found throughout the region including Waitangi, Russell and the Hokianga. Waitangi is where the founding document of New Zealand was signed in 1840 by Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown. Kerikeri is the largest town in the Bay of Islands and has some of the most historic buildings in the country. Paihia is the tourist hub in the Bay of Islands and is where New Zealand’s first game of cricket was held. Russell was the first permanent European settlement and one of New Zealand’s oldest sea ports.

A number of celebrated artists and craftspeople live and work here and visits to their studios and galleries can be woven into the scrumptious food and wine trails the north is fast gaining a reputation for. These trails make it easy to experience the delicious fresh local produce, seafood, gourmet goods and award winning wines available across the entire region.

  
Charter yacht, Bay of Islands - click for more.
In the Bay of Islands you can sail to a new beach every day, with dolphins and sea birds for company.
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Downloadable Guide

Cruise ships will tender at Waitangi Wharf for all shore excursions which is on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and 10 minutes walk to the Treaty House.

At Waitangi, free shuttles will transfer you to Paihia i-SITE Visitor Centre which is less than 5 minutes drive away or 2.1km (1.3 miles) away. From here, you can easily catch a short ferry trip to Russell. Ferries to Russell cost NZD 6 one-way and NZD 10 return. Ferries depart every 20 minutes from 7am to 10pm daily.

A number of cruise ships also tender to Russell. This is for independent travellers only. Russell is 50 metres (164 feet) from the tender pier.

On foot
The townships of Paihia and Russell are small and easily explored on foot. You will need to have a vehicle if exploring other parts of the Bay of Islands.

Taxis
Taxis are available in the maritime precinct.

In the Bay of Islands, freephone 0508 3425 2 7433 (0505 DIAL A RIDE). www.dial-a-ride.co.nz

Not all taxis accept credit cards - please ask your driver before boarding. 

Car Rentals
We recommend rental cars to be booked in advance. Visit Transport section for further details of rental car companies in the Bay of Islands.

Recommended Shopping
You can find a list of shopping in the Bay of Islands on NorthlandNZ.com. Click on ‘Things to See and Do’ and you should see a link to ‘Shopping, Crafts & Gifts’ on the left hand column.

Recommended Restaurants, Cafés and Bars
You can find a list of restaurants, cafes and bars in the Bay of Islands on NorthlandNZ.com. Click on ‘Things to See and Do’ and you should see a link to ‘Wine & Food’.

Nearest Post Shop
Paihia Central Post Shop: 2 Willias Road, Paihia +64 9 402 8626
Russell Post Shop: RUssell Book Shop, York Street, Russell +64 9 403 7674

Visite the New Zealand Post website for more details.

Nearest Internet Cafe
Boots off: Selwyn Road, Paihia
Traders Mall: York Street, Russell
Maritime Building: Marsden Road, Paihia

Nearest Supermarket
Woolworths Supermarket: 9 Blackbridge Road, Paihia, +64 9 402 5524

Activities within 5km of the port

Visit the Paihia or Russell Information Centres to get some ideas on the outstanding range of scenic highlights, activities and attractions in the Bay of Islands region.

Paihia i-SITE: The Wharf, Marsden Road, +64 9 402 7345,

Russell Information Centre: Situated on the tender pier, +64 9 403 8020

 

Activity:

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She's a Lady Yacht Charters
Sailing

Day sailing in the Bay of Islands. Includes island stop-overs, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking. Frequently sighted are dolphins, penguins and other marine life.

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SPOT-X fishing experiences
Fishing – Salt Water

SPOT-X, The Ultimate Fishing Spot. Half or full day trips available. Family fun or seasoned professionals. Snapper/reef fishing, marlin, shark, kingfish, tuna or salt fly fishing.

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Bay of Islands Rock Cruises Ltd
Boat Cruises

$178 gets you 22hrs of cruising, exploring, relaxing onboard our purpose built vessel the Rock amongst the stunning Bay of Islands. "The best way to fall in love with New Zealand".

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Great Escape Yacht Charters
Sailing

Sail-yourself charter yachts and learn to sail adventures in the beautiful Bay of Islands at an unbelievable price.

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FairWind Charters
Sailing

Sailing charters in the Bay of Islands. Yachts, 28 to 45 feet, available either bareboat (sail yourself) or crewed.

Upcoming events in Bay of Islands

 
 
 

As this is a tender wharf, there will be minimal passenger facilities.

 
Front Row Rugby Club

Front Row Rugby Club Join the Front Row Rugby Club along with Tana Umaga and thousands of others.

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