Living only a few hours away by car, we have never sailed into the Bay of Islands cruise port, but have visited enough times to help you make the perfect choice for your one day here.
Nestled in the far north of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands offers a wealth of experiences for cruise passengers, visitors, and locals. From historic sites to stunning natural beauty, it’s a favourite of families, couples and just about everyone who visits.
Map of the Bay of Islands cruise port highlights including the dock location
Before diving into our recommendations, it’s essential to understand the layout and logistics. Technically, there is no Bay of Islands cruise port; instead, it is a tender port. Cruise ships moor in the bay and passengers are typically brought to shore at the Waitangi Wharf by smaller tender boats.
From the wharf, we can either take a scenic 25-minute walk along the waterfront or hop on a shuttle bus for a quick 5-minute ride into the town of Paihia. Some Bay of Islands shore excursions depart directly from the wharf.
Below, our map highlights the Waitangi Wharf and the key attractions and activities to help you make the most of your visit.
What to do in one day in the Bay of Islands
There are plenty of amazing things to do in the Bay of Islands, but with only one day in the region, you can summarize it into three primary options.
These are to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (close to the port), take the shuttle to town and hop on a boat either to the Hole in the Rock, to see the dolphins, or over to Russell, or take a tour either in town or out to some of the nearby sights.
To whet your appetite. . .
Do I need to book Bay of Islands shore excursions?
While the answer depends on what you want to see and whether you think a guide is worth the cost, we believe the Bay of Islands is a somewhat easy port to see on your own—but it often requires a fair bit of walking.
Read next: how we choose the best way to see a cruise port.
Start or end your day at the Treaty Grounds . . .
1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Rich in history the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and enhances cultural awareness and is a must-see for everyone. Here, in 1840, native Māori chiefs and British representatives signed the Treaty of Waitangi, thus founding the New Zealand we know today.
It’s a 7-minute walk from the wharf to the treaty grounds entrance, and while walk-ins are easy to do, with a ship in port, we recommend booking in advance. Note that all passes allow two days entry. International visitors can reserve their Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour here. (NZ residents with ID can pay less at the door)
- What to expect: Entry to the grounds includes a guided tour, a cultural performance, and a museum entry. We encourage doing all three if you have the time.
- Highlights: The Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga (a carved Maori meeting house), the ceremonial waka (war canoe), and an impressive cultural show.
Take a boat from Paihia Wharf (Hole in the Rock, dolphins, or Russell)
A 25-minute coastal walk or a shuttle will bring you from the tender port to the Paihia Wharf, where you have lots of options. The most popular is probably taking a boat out and passing through the famous “Hole in the Rock” formation at Motukokako Island. (Passage through is weather-dependent and not guaranteed.)
However, if you only want to see the Hole in the Rock, check with your cruise line to find out how close the ship passes on its way in or out of the Bay of Islands cruise port, as this will save you money and free up your time to do something else.
2. Take a fast boat out to the Hole in the Rock
This tour is exciting, fun, and probably the best thing we have done in the Bay of Islands. Fast-tracking our adventure, this 1.5-hour tour was exhilarating and gave us more time to do other things on shore.
The seats are built with shock absorbers, and despite the speed, I found the boat comfortable. Reserve your fast boat ocean adventure in advance here.
3. A slow boat lets you also do some dolphin and whale watching
Slow and steady is another way to get out to the Hole in the Rock, allowing the captain and crew time to hopefully spot marine life and birds. Our favourite slow tour also has two island stopovers, with nature walks and snorkelling. Reserve your Hole in the Rock cruise with two Island stops here.
Note that swimming with dolphins is not allowed in the Bay of Islands. (It is in Akoroa, from the Christchurch cruise port which you may be visiting on your New Zealand cruise.)
4. Hop on the ferry to Russell (Kororareka)
Take a quick 15-minute ferry ride crosses the bay to Russell. When we bring visitors, we always check out historic sites such as Christ Church (the oldest church in New Zealand), Pompallier Mission, and the Russell Museum.
Additional claims to fame include being the country’s first colonial capital and the first permanent European settlement; home to NZ’s first licenced hotel and bar; and once nicknamed the Hell Hole of the Pacific, which we wrote more about here.
Take a tour to see waterfalls, historic sights, and more
While it’s pretty easy to get to everything we wrote about to this point, from here, you will want a tour, private guide, or at least a driver.
5. Tour to Kerikeri (some of NZ’s oldest buildings and Rainbow Falls)
At the northern end of the Bay of Islands is the historic Kerikeri mission station, where early European settlers lived under the protection of local Māori chiefs. It’s also home to both the country’s oldest stone building (The Stone Store) and the oldest surviving European building (Kemp House).
The stunning Rainbow Falls are also located in Kerikeri. The shore excursion to Kerikeri that we recommend goes to both as well as Makana Chocolate where you will watch and sample handmade chocolates. The tour also includes an amazing lunch.
6. Bay of Islands shore excursions to glow worm caves, kauri trees, and Haruru Falls
This 5.5-hour tour will pick you up from the wharf and drive you through Paihia before heading to the powerful Haruru Falls (which translates to ‘big noise’), then on to sample some amazing handmade chocolates.
Next, head to Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, one of the unique places to see glow worms in NZ. Finally, a 30-minute stroll along the boardwalk at the Manginangina Kauri Walk.
Have an adventure from the Bay of Islands cruise port
Our favourite Bay of Islands adventure is the fast boat out to the Hole in the Rock that we discussed above. It’s exciting, fun, energetic and took us out to a sight we love visiting. But if you are looking for more adventure, check out these options:
- Tandem Skydive Experience with pick up from various BOI locations (Learn more or book your Skydive here)
- Parasailing over the Bay from Paihia (Learn more or book your parasailing here)
- Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour from Paihia (Learn more or book your helicopter tour here)
- V8 350 Chevy trike tour from Paihia Wharf (Learn more or book your adrenaline junkie tour here)
- Mountain Biking – note that this is a 40 minute walk from the ship, the opposite direction from the shuttle. (Learn more or book your mountain biking experience here)
Suggested itineraries to help you explore the Bay of Islands cruise port on your own
If you are doing it on your own and have a full day to create your own Bay of Islands, here are a few optional ways to put it together:
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Haruru Falls
Walk straight from shore to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. From here, enjoy a 10.5km (6.5 mile) out-and-back moderately challenging hike along the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. The hike should take a bit less than 2.5 hours to return to the ship. - Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Paihia
Again, either start or end at the treaty grounds, spending half of your port time in each location. From Paihia, hop on one of the many boat options, either out to the Hole in the Rock, to see dolphins, or to Russell. - Paihia, Russell and dolphins
From the Bay of Island cruise port site hop on the shuttle to town. Once in Paihia, head to the pier and hop on a ferry to Russell. Explore the town, then join one of the cruises out to the Hole in the Rock, or to see dolphins.
Where to next: What to do at each of the New Zealand cruise ports
If you haven’t read it yet, don’t miss our general tips for first-time visitors to New Zealand or our overview of cruising in New Zealand. We have written more on each cruise port here:
Check Cruise Direct for deals on New Zealand and Australia cruises
What to bring when cruising in New Zealand
Good news. We offer several free packing lists, including one for cruise travel. If you are like us and like to have everything you need, but not tons of extra stuff, check out these tips for packing light while cruising.
Don’t miss our best cruise tips
More tips and resources for your cruise
Below are our go-to companies when we cruise. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Cruise: We find great deals at Cruise Direct.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Set up private guides at the ports: Looking to maximize our limited time at a port, we often use private guides from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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What will you do at the Bay of Islands cruise port?
Read more on the region . . .
Kelly
I have never been to the Bay of Islands yet, but it is one place I’d love to visit. Thanks for sharing; I will pin this to use the information when I do visit.
Taylor
Very cool! I did not know about this place in New Zealand. The hole in the rock seems like a fun excursion.
Susanna
I love that you can explore some of the cultural heritage and history at the treaty grounds – I would really enjoy visiting. Thanks for sharing the best things to do and information about the Bay of Islands as a cruise stop!
Melissa
Looks like a great cruise port with lots to do!
Her Asian adventures
I did not know there were so many fun things to do near Bay of islands cruise port! I would love to visit and learn more about the Waitangi treaty grounds!
Jenn | By Land and Sea
This looks like a great option to see and do so many things! I’d love to experience this at some point!
Melinda
Bay of Islands is so lovely and you’ve outlined so many great options! The Treaty Grounds is worth visiting, they do a great job with the tour and performance.
Stephanie
This is perfect. I never knew how much there was to do at a cruise port
Alex+J.+Cavanaugh
Think I’d stay close so I could see several things.
Sara Essop
I’ve never heard of Bay of Islands before but it sounds as though there’s so much to do there. Although I’d love to visit on a cruise excursion, I’ll probably need more time to see everything.
Lorraine Caputo
What a different way to see attractions!
Are the places you mentioned also accessible by land? (For those travelers who tend to get seasick …)
Linda (LD Holland)
We have often thought about cruising around New Zealand. Good to know there is lots to do on a cruise port stop in Bay of Islands. And to know that this is a tender port and not a dock. That does add a bit of a logistics issue to plan for. We would definitely consider a fast boat to Hole in the Rock. Or get a driver to chase some waterfall sights! One day we will get there.
Karen
A slow boat with lots of stop overs and nature walks is definitely my speed! Would love to learn more about the wildlife in the area.
Sonia
The Bay of Islands looks like it has plenty of activities to entertain visitors from a cruise. If you were not coming on a cruise, would you recommend Bay of Islands as a base, or somewhere a bit out of town?
Rhonda Albom
When we visit the Bay of Islands, we usually stay for 3 nights. There is plenty to do and it’s a good base for some of the Northland things.