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Bay of Islands: when your ship stops here

The place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, a small beach town, and a ferry to a historic village.

Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

The Bay of Islands holds 144 islands, on the northeast coast of New Zealand's North Island. A cruise port guide says there is no dock that can handle passenger ships, so ships anchor and take you ashore by tender (a small boat). It says the landing is either Waitangi Wharf or Paihia, depending on the ship's arrangements for the day, so check the ship's daily information.

Sources: Wikipedia: Bay of Islands; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Bay of Islands

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

    The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here on 6 February 1840, in a marquee on the grounds of James Busby's house. Today the grounds hold the restored Treaty House, a carved Maori meeting house and two museums, and have been open to the public since 1934.

    Tip: A cruise port guide says to allow 2 to 3 hours, and that cruise-day shuttles connect Waitangi Wharf, the Treaty Grounds and central Paihia.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Waitangi, Northland; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Bay of Islands

  2. 2. Paihia

    The second biggest town in the bay. A cruise port guide lists cafes, shops and a beach, and says to allow 1 to 2 hours.

    Tip: The guide says a free shuttle runs from Waitangi Wharf to Paihia in about 5 minutes. On foot it gives 20 to 30 minutes.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Bay of Islands; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Bay of Islands

  3. 3. Russell, by ferry

    A small town on a short peninsula, formerly called Kororareka and the country's first lasting European settlement. A cruise port guide says passenger ferries run from Paihia Wharf to Russell in about 15 minutes.

    Tip: The guide says to allow 2 to 3 hours for Russell, ferry time included.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Bay of Islands; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Bay of Islands

What to skip

  • The full bay cruise on a short call

    A cruise port guide says a bay cruise to Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, and that the passage and wildlife are not guaranteed. On a call with tender waits, it can run past your all aboard time.

    Source: CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Bay of Islands

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Bay of Islands

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Bay of Islands, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 6, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Bay of Islands

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