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Bay of Islands, excursion of walk around


zonacruiser25
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We are visiting NZ on Solstice in April and have never been there. For those who have visited Bay of Islands, how is the tendering there? I know it can be different for various ships. We will be there from 10A to 6P and know the ship will tender its own excursion pax before the other pax. We have heard there is much to do at the port and also free shuttles to take you around. There are also ferries to close by islands. We are considering just hanging out there and not trying to go to wineries or glow worm caves etc. Any experience to share? THANKS!

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Hi guys. Just been to bay of islands on the solstice a couple of weeks back. Tendering off the ship was horrendous. Took us 3 hours to get off. Get in tender line early on the ship for your tickets otherwise you could wait forever to get off. We walked to paihi and caught ferry to Russell island. Truly magnificent. Had fish n chips lunch on the waterfront. Enjoy your time there.

Cheers Bob.:)

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We may be on the same cruise with the OP. In any event we enjoy visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Admission price includes the cultural show and a lovely museum, in addition to the actual home where the treaty was signed. Easy walk from where the Solstice will tender into.

 

When we were there in 2016 while on the Solstice there was a shuttle bus which ran into the town. And for those who do not have tender priority you will need to be in line early for the tender tickets. In 2016 I don't remember the Solstice using any private tenders, just the ship tenders.

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Now in our case this was unplanned and we arrived at Noon.

 

With that said our experience on New Zealand/Australia cruises is often we are doing a lot of touring or other things on our own so sometimes just enjoying a leisurely walk, smelling the roses, maybe having a local beer and just relaxing is great to recharge the batteries.

 

Whatever you do have a wonderful time.

 

We love New Zealand and Australia.

 

Keith

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It's a beautiful bay. For those interested in NZ' history, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are near the tender dock, but the entrance is up on top of the hill, so walk or take the included shuttle. The shuttle also takes you to the closest small town, some shopping, some beer, some ice cream... We took the ferry over to Russell, charming small town.

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The Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum is definitely worth a visit.

 

There may be a small market in the park opposite where the shuttle buses stop and, if so, there is some very nice quality handcrafts there.

 

We always enjoy catching the ferry across to Russell and having lunch at the Duke of Marlborough, NZs oldest pub.

 

On our first Solstice trip, December 2015, the tendering was very efficient, both at the Bay of Islands and Akaroa but last year at Akaroa it was shocking. We weren't in a hurry to get off so waited until the rush was over but still ended up waiting over an hour to board a tender.

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