? on Bay of Islands NZ

[pvbmom]

We are stopping at the Bay of Islands on the Sea Princess? Where does the tender bring us into? Can you recommend any interesting sites to see? Is there a town to walk around and explore?

[Desert Cruizers]

I have read on CC Russell or Waitangi Wharf. We are doing our first trip there next march. I would also suggest you visit one of the Roll Call threads doing a cruise to that area to see what others have planned and some have probably been there before who can offer suggestions.

[Pearl64]

We spent three days in Russell prior to our cruise out of Auckland. We spent part of one day going to the Hole in the Rock. Try to take the morning cruise. The seas were mighty rough to the point that they would give your money back but we thoroughly enjoyed it. The young crew kept going around checking to see that everyone was okay. It was only rough going out--current different direction returning. We saw many dolphins and other wildlife. We were not able to go through the Hole in the Rock but my husband got his picture of him standing in front of the Hole.

 

We did not have time to go to the Treaty place. Next trip! This was highly recommended to us but we had opted for the all day trip to 99 mile beach and Cape Reigna. That one was great also. Not sure you could do it from a cruise stop unless it was through the ship due to distances and timing.

 

There is not a lot in Russell--plenty of quality restaurants though. Very small town like maybe four blocks! Beautiful and quiet.

 

Enjoy whatever you decide.

 

Pearl

[Kiwi Kruzer]

We are stopping at the Bay of Islands on the Sea Princess? Where does the tender bring us into? Can you recommend any interesting sites to see? Is there a town to walk around and explore?

 

If all goes as usual ,you will be tendered ashore to Waitangi.

They use the Marina and Car Park of the Copthorne Hotel which gives lots of room for the bus tours etc .

The Treaty Grounds are just over the road from where you land.

A shuttle is usually provided along to the township of Paihia. It is also a very pleasant and easy walk along the beachfront, (20 minutes at an easy pace) Shopping is available at Paihia with tourist shops and galleries. When a ship is in the locals sometimes set up a craft market. You can also take the ferry across to Russell. Its only a 12 minute ride and there you can walk around the historic settlement.

As your ship sails out of the Bay you can see the Hole in the Rock in the distance.I got a good photo of it on zoom.:D