NZ ship's tour to Russell

[Rosee]

Am interested in doing a ship's tour (RCL) to Russell in Bay of Islands on our upcoming NZ cruise.

Can anyone advise whether the tender from the ship will go directly to Russell or alternatively go into Waitangi tender dock then a shuttle to Paiia (?) before taking a ferry across to Russell.

Seems to me the former alternative would be more time efficient, but I do not know if tendering at Russell is a possibility or not. If a ferry can dock there, I would think, so to, could a tender.

Appreciate any thoughts on the above,

 

Thanks,

Rosee

[Tara Jane]

I wouldn't bother doing a ships tour. We tendered to Waitangi and were taken by bus to Paihia, from Piahia you can get the ferry across to Russell, and Russell is such a very small town, it is easy to walk around.

[RJHNorthyorks]

I wouldn't bother with the ships tour either. We got an early tender to Waitanga and then used the free shuttle bus to Paiia. We then bought ferry tickets to Russell and explored on our own. Russell is small and there are decent tourist information offices in Russell and near where the shuttle bus dropped us off.

On our way back the shuttle bus dropped us at the treaty ground which is very close to where the tenders drop off. All very easy to do on your own

[Kiwi Kruzer]

The ferry from Paihia to Russell runs all day. The crossing only takes about 15 mins.

http://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/the-bay/paihia-russell-ferry-timetable/

[kiwipete]

When you get to Russell look for "Russell Mini Tours"

This is a short bus tour, with comentary, to areas that are too far to walk.

Thoroughly recommended. And I am NOT associated with this tour in any way.

Enjoy

 

Pete

[VK3DQ]

Hi Folks

 

We will just head for the Duke Of Marborough ......the best place in town :-0

 

 

Regards

 

John & Jean

[fire eater]

Pompallier Mission in Russell is a really good place to visit - for all ages. Fascinating history and hands-on experiences. We loved visiting it on our last trip to NZ.

[mtn_couple]

I agree - skip the ship's excursion, very easy to do on your own. When you get off the tender, there'll be buses waiting that will take you to Paihia (free service). The bus will drop you outside the tousit info centre close to the ferry. Just jump on the ferry and explore yourself.

[Rosee]

Thanks for all the helpful replies received. I think I'm convinced to go it alone now!

Just thought it might be quicker to go there straight from the ship.....if they went that way rather than to Pahia first.

 

Rosee

[erewhon]

Hi Rosee,

 

When are you cruising again?

 

As others have said, take the shuttle into Paihia, then the ferry over to Russell.

Hope you have a lovely sunny day for your visit to the Bay of Islands.

[Rosee]

Thanks erehwon,

We go to NZ in Feb. We've been there before, but this time doing it in reverse direction from last time. Been to Paihia before and saw the ferry going to Russell, so this time thought we'd go there too!

Any plans at your end?

Rosee

[erewhon]

Thanks erehwon,

We go to NZ in Feb. We've been there before, but this time doing it in reverse direction from last time. Been to Paihia before and saw the ferry going to Russell, so this time thought we'd go there too!

Any plans at your end?

Rosee

 

We have planned a cruise on the Noordam while she is out here.

 

Was reading on the HAL board that two laundrettes have been removed from the Volendam during the recent dry dock.

 

Wishing you a great February cruise.