Boosting golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastlines and spectacular forest, Northland is also rich in a unique history that ties both Maori and non – Maori people together. Historical sites can be found throughout the region including Kerikeri, Russell, Hokianga and New Zealand’s most historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
The Bay of Islands is a marine playground with a multitude of ways to enjoy being in, on and under the water. Incredible marine life including dolphins can be found playing amongst the 144 islands, most famous of which is the Hole in the Rock.
A number of celebrated artists and craftspeople live and work here and visits to their studios and galleries can be woven into the scrumptious food and wine trails the north is fast gaining a reputation for. These trails make it easy to experience the delicious fresh local produce, seafood, gourmet goods and award winning wines available across the entire region.
Tender wharves at Waitangi Wharf and Russell Wharf.
ANCHORAGE (3 OPTIONS):
Tender distances from Anchorage i)
= 1.0 miles (1.6 km) to Russell
= 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Waitangi
Latitude = 35⁰ 15’.28S
Longitude = 174⁰ 06’.27E
Charted Depth x Max Draught x Max Length
= 12.0m x 10.0m x 330m
Tender distances from Anchorage ii)
= 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to Russell
= 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to Waitangi
Latitude = 35⁰ 15’.09S
Longitude = 174⁰ 05′.87E
Charted Depth x Max Draught x Max Length
= 11.0m x 9.2m x 300m
Tender distances from Anchorage iii)
= 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to Russell
= 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Waitangi
Latitude = 35⁰ 15’.76S
Longitude = 174⁰ 06′.62E
Charted Depth x Max Draught x Max Length
= 10.0m x 8.3m x 160m
Please note that this is a guidance and all navigational data must be verified through relevant Port Agents, Harbour Masters or ports.
Gateway to
Bay of Islands is made up of several townships including Paihia, Russell, Opua, Waitangi, Kawakawa and Kerikeri.
Bay of Islands is part of a wider region, Northland.
Distance to the city
aitangi is 2.1km (1.3 miles) away from Paihia. You can either take a leisurely 20 minute walk to Paihia or a 3 minute drive with the free shuttle bus.
The tender wharf in Russell is in the middle of the Russell waterfront.
WAITANGI WHARF
Cruise ships tender at Waitangi Wharf for shore excursions. The Waitangi wharf is a 10 minute walk from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
At Waitangi wharf, free shuttles are provided that transfer you (3 minute drive) to Paihia i-SITE Visitor Centre and wharf. Bay of Islands ambassadors are on board the free shuttles and are able to assist with maps and information.
PAIHIA
From Paihia wharf, you can easily catch a short ferry trip to Russell. Ferries to Russell cost NZD$7 one-way and NZD$12 return. Ferries depart every 20 minutes from 7am to 10pm daily.
RUSSELL
A number of cruise ships also tender to Russell. This is for independent travellers only.
The townships of Paihia and Russell are small and easily explored on foot. You will need to have a vehicle or join a tour if exploring other parts of the Bay of Islands.
Taxi Service
Paihia Taxis & Tours, +64 9 402 7506, www.paihiatransport.co.nz.
Dial-a-Ride, Freephone 0508 342527433, www.dial-a-ride.co.nz.
Charges for taxis range between NZD$70 and NZD$90 per hour.
ATM machines/ Currency Exchange
ATM machines and banks are mostly in Paihia.
Currency exchange can be done in banks.
Shopping Hours
Weekdays: 8.30am to 6pm
Saturdays: 8:30am to 5pm
Sundays: 10am to 4pm
Nearest Supermarket
Countdown, 9 Blackbridge Road, Paihia, +64 9 402 5524
Four Square, 41 Williams Road, Paihia, +64 9 402 8002
Nearest Internet Café
Boots off, Williams Road, Paihia
Traders Mall, York Street, Russell
Maritime Building, Marsden Road, Paihia
Post Office
Paihia Central Post Shop, 2 Williams Road, Paihia, +64 9 402 8623
Russell Post Shop, Russell Book Shop, York Street, Russell, +64 9 403 7674
www.nzpost.co.nz
Climate
Summer: High of 79F (26°C), low of 48F (9°C)
Winter: High of 63F (17°C), low of 45F (7°C)
Average rainfall of 1750mm and average sunshine of 2000 hours.
Map
Download the map of Bay of Islands here.
Visitor Information
- Paihia i-SITE: The Wharf, Marsden Road, +64 9 402 7345
- Russell Information Centre: Situated on the tender pier, +64 9 403 8020
What is the Bay of Islands known for?
The 144 islands of the Bay of Islands, abundant water activities, dolphins, orcas & penguins, sunshine, location of the signing of the historic Treaty of Waitangi, and home of the oldest and tallest kauri trees in the world.
Attractions & Activities
- Cruise to Cape Brett & the Hole in the Rock
- Swimming with dolphins
- Historic Russell
- Tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waipoua Forest & Tane Mahuta (the tallest kauri tree in the world).
- Kerikeri historic town and major shopping area
Lookouts:
- Paihia Wharf Lookout, opposite village green, Paihia
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waitangi
- Mt. Bledisloe Look Out, Waitangi
- Flagstaff Hill, Russell
For more information on visitor attractions, visit www.northlandnz.com.
Destination Northland
Contact: Brian Roberts, General Manager
Email: info@northlandinc.co.nz
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Contact: Nineke Metz, Marketing & Communications Manager
Email: info@waitangi.org.nz
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