Bay of Islands (Paihia) Cruise Port
Paihia, New Zealand · Pacific
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Paihia — tenders ferry passengers to the port.
Plan my port daysTender port: ships anchor off Waitangi and tender ashore. Once landed, the Treaty Grounds, the Russell ferry and island cruises are all close by.
At a glance
Port summary
Ships anchor in the Bay of Islands and tender passengers to Waitangi Wharf, a 5-minute walk from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and linked to Paihia by a free cruise-day shuttle. From Paihia the passenger ferry crosses to historic Russell in 15 minutes, Hole in the Rock and dolphin cruises leave from the wharf, and taxis or tours reach Kerikeri (about 25 km) with its orchards and NZ's oldest buildings.
Cruise docks
🚢 Waitangi Tender Wharf
The main cruise tender wharf beside the Waitangi Treaty Grounds; ships anchor offshore and tender passengers here, with a free shuttle to Paihia. Coordinate approximate.
📍 Latitude: -35.271, Longitude: 174.091
See dock on port map →🚢 Paihia Wharf
The town wharf in central Paihia, used as an alternative tender landing on two-ship days and the departure point for the Russell ferry and Bay of Islands cruises.
📍 Latitude: -35.280746, Longitude: 174.092938
See dock on port map →Getting to Paihia
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
The ship's tender runs to Waitangi Wharf (or Paihia on busy days); allow time for queues, especially for the last tender back.
📍 Board tenders from the ship
A free cruise-day shuttle links Waitangi Wharf, central Paihia and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
📍 At Waitangi Wharf and on the Paihia waterfront
Paihia's shops, cafes and beach are right at the wharf, and a coastal walkway reaches the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in about 20 minutes.
📍 From the wharf into Paihia
The Paihia-Russell passenger ferry crosses to historic Russell in about 15 minutes; buy tickets on board, roughly NZ$15-20 return.
📍 Paihia Wharf
Taxis and tour shuttles run to Kerikeri (about 25 km / 30 min), Haruru Falls and wineries; there is no Uber in the Bay of Islands, so book ahead.
📍 Taxi and shuttle desks at Paihia Wharf
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Cards work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for market stalls and small operators.
Things to do
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
⭐ Highlight
New Zealand's founding site: museum, carved meeting house and Maori shows.
🕐 Allow 2-3 hours; time a cultural performance
Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise
⭐ Highlight
The classic boat trip to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.
🕐 Book a morning cruise; sea-state dependent
Russell Village & Pompallier Mission
⭐ Highlight
Historic Russell's waterfront Strand and the 1840s Pompallier Mission.
🕐 Daytime; ferry over from Paihia
Paihia to Waitangi Coastal Walk
Short stop🚶 Walk
An easy shoreline walk linking Paihia and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
🕐 Morning; easier around low tide
Paihia Waterfront & Beach
Short stop🏖️ Beach
A sheltered swimming beach and palm-lined waterfront by the tender wharf.
🕐 Any daylight hours; calm mornings for a swim
Kerikeri Artisan Food & Craft Trail
🛒 Market
Sunny Kerikeri is Northland's food basket of chocolate, cheese and crafts.
🕐 Daytime
Christ Church, Russell
Short stop⛪ Church / Cathedral
New Zealand's oldest church (1836), still pocked with 1845 musket holes.
🕐 Daytime
Kerikeri Mission Station: Stone Store & Kemp House
🏛️ Museum
New Zealand's oldest stone and wooden buildings above the Kerikeri Basin.
🕐 Daytime
Flagstaff Hill Lookout
📸 Viewpoint
Climb Flagstaff Hill above Russell for a sweeping Bay of Islands panorama.
🕐 Clear days for the views
Haruru Falls
🌿 Nature
A broad horseshoe waterfall on the Waitangi River near Paihia.
🕐 After rain for full flow
Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri
🌿 Nature
A 27-metre curtain waterfall a short forest walk from Kerikeri.
🕐 Late morning for the rainbow; fuller after rain
Bay of Islands Dolphin & Island Cruise
🌿 Nature
A gentler eco-cruise among the islands to see dolphins and land on one.
🕐 Morning departures; weather dependent
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Paihia?
- Paihia is a tender port: your ship anchors offshore and passengers transfer to shore by small boat.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Paihia?
- Walking into Paihia from the cruise port isn't practical. Plan to use a shuttle, taxi, or public transport.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Paihia centre?
- Typical options include Ferry, Shuttle bus, On foot, Taxi. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Paihia?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see Paihia independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Paihia and are cards accepted?
- Paihia uses the New Zealand Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Paihia cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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