Bay of Islands: 1/18/19
Made up of 144 islands, it is
located in the bay between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. On the edges
of the bay are a bunch of lovely little towns such as Paihia, Opua, Russell and
Kerikeri. Each one is a great place to base yourself for trips out onto the bay
and the surrounding area.
The
best way to explore the islands and an absolutely must when your in the bay
area is to take a cruise. The bay is so ridiculously scenic that you will be
constantly pushing your gaping jaw closed! There are a bunch of different
cruise companies that offer a range of different cruise types and from my
experience shopping around, each one offered much the same as the other with a
few slight various. The most popular cruise offered is the Dolphin Cruise
to Hole in the Rock. This half day catamaran tour leaves from both Paihia and
Russell wharf’s and journeys out to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula.
Paul’s
Comments:
The history of the
Waitangi Treaty which was signed literally where the tender docks is
interesting to see but I noted that there are tours right when you get off the
tender cheaper than the ship. We took the shuttle bus to Pahia from the dock
and took a ferry to Russell as we had been there before and had lunch. You have
mentioned the Duke of Marlborough in Russell and that is where I would
recommend you have lunch and a beer. Not much to see in Pahia and you can have
a pleasant walk along the waterfront at Russell. Waitangi was the foundation of
NZ with the Maori people accepting the British.
Russell:
This very pretty
small town is situated just across the bay from Paihai and is a very
important place in New Zealand’s history. It was the country’s first sea port
and the place of first European settlement. Many of the original historic
buildings from this time remain while the streets still resemble the layout and
names of this time. When you depart the passenger ferry at Russell wharf you
are already right in the heart of town. There is a nice little beach where you
will find lots of people relaxing, swimming in the warmer months and kayaking
out into the bay. Lining the beach and in the block or so back from the beach
is restaurants, cafes and small shops for you to explore and enjoy. And the
most notable building to check out is the Christ Church which is the
oldest existing church in New Zealand. Address: Russell is accessible by
road, but the easiest way to get there is to catch the vehicle ferry from Opua
(5 mins) or the passenger ferry from Paihai (up to 15 mins for the slowest
service). Cost: Car Ferry $NZ10.00 per
vehicle | Passenger Ferry $NZ6.00 one way or $NZ10.00 return
MERRYTIMERS CRUISE-Tour Options
All cruise ships arriving in
the Bay of Islands will dock near Paihia at the Waitangi
Wharf. To reach the town of Paihia, which is 1.3 miles away, you
can either enjoy a 20-minute walk or a three-minute shuttle ride to the
visitor's center.
1. Highlights of the Bay-Public Tour
Option ONE: Fullers Greatsights Bay Of Islands. Hole in the Rock + Russell Mini Tour + Russell Passenger Ferry
Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands offers the most
extensive range of Bay of Islands cruises. See all the top Bay of Islands
attractions, like the famous Hole in the Rock, beautiful islands and the Cape
Brett Peninsula, as well as dolphins, whales and other marine life. Go swimming
with dolphins, sail on the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson or cruise to a secluded
island and discover its secrets. Cruises depart daily from Paihia and Russell.
Our Highlights of the Bay combo takes you on a scenic
adventure full of history, culture and stunning coastal highlights. Cruise
through the Hole in the Rock and journey past Cape Brett Peninsula while
watching out for dolphins and other marine wildlife. Enjoy an intimate one-hour
tour of Russell visiting many historic locations and learning about the town’s
surprising past.
Book your Bay of Islands dolphin cruise, Hole in the
Rock cruise or any Fullers Bay of Islands cruise online and save 10%!
ADULT
$125.00
CHILD
$62.50
SAVE
$24
*2. Option Two: Private Charter
on Catamaran. Deposit required. Max persons 16
MERRYTIMERS
Catamaran Cruise. This is the private tour option I selected...Need
minimum of 6 couples confirmed.
*Barefoot
Sailing Private Tour (Milam)
The price for a Private Charter
is starting at NZ$2100, this is or up to 16 people, then it is another
NZ$130pp after that. This includes lunch and refreshments. (@USD$1535 to
be divided by number of confirmed couples. For example, 6 couples, 12
persons, @$128pp or 9 couples, 18 persons @$85pp)
There are terms and conditions
around booking a private charter, which includes a 50% deposit of the full
charter fee to be paid upfront which will secure the booking for the day
We can accomodate for your
group of 14 - 18 passengers. Our Island Hopper Cruise would be our
recommendation for the day cruise, which is a 6 hour cruise departing from
Paihia beach - there will be a shuttle service to get you to Paihia from
Waitangi where the tenders drop you to shore - only 5 minute drive or 20 min
walk.
The trip is usually 2 hours of
sailing through the bay of islands to reach our island destination. The islands
we visit are a wildlife sanctuary, so the bird life here is great. We usually
spend 2 hours at a lovely sheltered bay where we have snorkel activities,
paddleboarding, explore the island walking trails and you can enjoy a packed
picnic lunch at another bay if you would like to walk over the tracks (usually
20 min walk each way, maye 30 if you are taking time to enjoy the bush and
birds).
BAY OF ISLANDS Private Tour Option:
Here
is a private tour option! Rachel and Luke sound great and have been so
flexible working with me to offer the perfect cruise around the Bay of Islands.
We are working on a few options. Basically, we would be picked up
near the cruise terminal or in Russell.
Info:
We
can accomodate for your group of 14 - 18 passengers. Our Island Hopper
Cruise would be our recommendation for the day cruise, which is a 6 hour cruise
departing from Paihia beach - there will be a shuttle servie to get you
to Paihia from Waitangi where the tenders drop you to shore - only 5 minute
drive or 20 min walk.
So
the day out on an Island Hopper Cruise is fairly well suited to an active
group, the time on the island is 2 hours which sounds like alot but given that
there are so many options for things to do here we think it is just right,
there is a little something for everyone. Paddle boarding and snorkeling, too.
The
cruise is quite unique in that we bring the boat right into the beach to meet
our passengers to board, you will step into the water to get onto the boarding
platform and then up a few steps onto the boat, this requiewa some level of
physical ability and can be a challenge for some who have trouble with their
knees but we havn't had anyone who cant do it yet. So when we reach the island
we are able to come into the beach where guests can hop on and off at their
leisure, no need to bundle you into a dinghy.
The
price for a Private Charter is starting at $2100 (this is NZ$ so @$ 1535 USD)
this is or up to 16 people, then it is another $130pp (@$ 95USD) after
that. This includes lunch and refreshments. So price will be based on how
many people are interested.
There
are terms and conditions around booking a private charter, which includes a 50%
deposit of the full charter fee to be paid upfront which will secure the
booking for the day.
Bay
of Islands weather in summer is pleasantly hot and is considered the perfect
tourist season both for domestic and international travelers. There is lot of
sunshine during the long days, followed by a pleasant wind in the night making
it perfect for beach walk. Summer in Bay of Islands is from December to
February and the average temperatures vary from 24.8°C / 77°F to 26.4°C / 79°F.
This
tour requires a 50% deposit upfront. So I need your commitment and your
money!
Please
respond no later than 2/15/18 if you are interested in booking this tour...maximum
of 9 couples. First come first served if we have an overwhelming
response!!!
(Once
I know who will be joining this tour, I will confirm pricing, etc., and
if there is not enough interest, (at least 6 couples) I won’t book it...)
Disclaimer:
This Tour is not sponsored by Celebrity, therefore each person at their
own risk of missing the ship departure if not back to port on time.
However, as is case with most private tours, the tour operators are very well
aware of cruise timelines and their business reputation is on the line!
We enjoy private tours as they are more personalized and have booked them
quite frequently, balancing risk with reward. 😉
As
a side note, Jim and I took a day for sailing in Croatia (off the cruise ship)
and thoroughly enjoyed it! Thought this Catamaran Trip would be fun....
Also,
keep in mind the 330 day mark is fast approaching for release of airfare
schedules!
PLEASE
RESPOND before or by 2/15/18 to tell me if you (number of participants) want to
join this Bay of Islands Tour. First 18 persons (9 couples) to respond
will be booked with more details to follow.
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