Ferry to Russell in the Bay of Islands

[Dmgmd50]

Our cruise ship stops in the Bay of Islands and we tender to Waitangi Wharf. We would like to take the ferry from Paihia to Russell. Is it easy to get from the wharf to Paihia?

We had thought of taking a lunch cruise to Russel but decided we didn't need the big meal and that going by ferry would give us time to look around.

[alibabacruisers]

We are doing the same in February so I read threads in CC and Trip Advisor. Others have said that it is a short walk, about 20-30 minutes, from Waitangi to Paihia. I think they also said the ferry is about a 6-8 minutes trip. You could go to the Port of Calls section here and check it out as well as Trip Advisor.

Barbara

[cruisechaos]

When we visited the Bay of Islands last year on the Dawn Princess, the community provided free shuttle buses from the Waitangi jetty to the wharf in Paihia (and back).

[Kalinda]

We did this cruise last year and took the ferry to Russell. We took the shuttle to save time, although we did see quite a few people walking. It is a fairly flat walk. The ferry ride to Russell is quite quick. Bay of Islands is a lovely spot to stop. We walked up to the top of the look out when we got to Russell. A little bit steep in parts but very a nice view from the top, and down hill all the way back down, lol.

[Dmgmd50]

Originally Posted by cruisechaos

When we visited the Bay of Islands last year on the Dawn Princess, the community provided free shuttle buses from the Waitangi jetty to the wharf in Paihia (and back).

I hope the same shuttle service will be offered when we visit on the Silver Shadow later this month. Our ship is much smaller.

[Islandgirl4242]

We just returned a few days ago from a cruise to NZ and as others have written, we took a free shuttle to Paihia. In Paihia there is an icenter staffed by locals that helps you see what is available for the day and to book tours. We booked a Catamaran tour to the Hole in the Rock and it was lovely...lots of stops to photograph the dolphins swimming in the wake of our boat and interesting descriptions of the culture and history of the area. We even stopped at a small island for 1/2 hour to explore on our own or with a Maiori guide. Many of us on board chose to get off on the way back in Russell. Lots of nice shops and restaurants around the small town and we ate at a wonderful historical hotel out on their veranda...the green lipped mussels were incredible and fish and chips were, too. The ferry back to Paihia was easy to catch, several run throughout the day, and it was a quick trip. Enjoy your NZ days!! ~~Judy

[platterb]

Originally Posted by Islandgirl4242

We just returned a few days ago from a cruise to NZ and as others have written, we took a free shuttle to Paihia. In Paihia there is an icenter staffed by locals that helps you see what is available for the day and to book tours. We booked a Catamaran tour to the Hole in the Rock and it was lovely...lots of stops to photograph the dolphins swimming in the wake of our boat and interesting descriptions of the culture and history of the area. We even stopped at a small island for 1/2 hour to explore on our own or with a Maiori guide. Many of us on board chose to get off on the way back in Russell. Lots of nice shops and restaurants around the small town and we ate at a wonderful historical hotel out on their veranda...the green lipped mussels were incredible and fish and chips were, too. The ferry back to Paihia was easy to catch, several run throughout the day, and it was a quick trip. Enjoy your NZ days!! ~~Judy

We're sailing on RCL Radiance of the Seas and was trying to book a private tour with Fullers. How soon were you able to get off your ship? We arrive in port @ 8:00am. How long did the free shuttle take. The tour starts at 9:00am. RCL offers the same tour but instead of $74 for the 4-hour tour booking directly, they want $159. It's ridiculous.