Experience the very best of the Bay of Islands with this on-shore tour. Get to know the historic towns of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, visit the impressive Haruru falls, and encounter the magnificent Waitangi Treaty grounds, site of the founding of New Zealand. With a Māori performance included in your visit, this is a wonderful way to come face to face with New Zealand culture and history.

Perfect for cruise ship travelers berthed in the Bay of Islands
Learn about the history of the area, including the early Christian missions
See New Zealand’s oldest town, Russell
Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Return Ferry Tickets to and from Russell
All activities and entry fees listed
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Port pick-up and drop-off
Worry Free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting And Pickup

Pickup point

Waitangi Wharf

Start time

09:30 AM

Pickup details

This is a tendered port and your tender will arrive at the Waitangi Wharf. You will be met there by a tour representative for departure at 9.30am. Please allow for about 15 minutes before your excursion starts.

What To Expect

Waitangi (Pass By)

Haruru Falls

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kerikeri

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Russell

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Infants two years and younger are free of charge provided they do not require a seat.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Reviews

4.0

4 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-3 of 4 reviews

Russell and Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Jean_H, Mar 2020

The guide was disappointing. I believe she was new to this role. Lacked knowledge. Had difficulty answering basic questions ie was Pompallier a Catholic Mission? The Entry to Pompallier was not included in the tour and unaware of its significance we walked away. The guide at Waitangi Treaty grounds was excellent. Pity no one mentioned the new war memorial building within the grounds. It is worth a visit.

Response from Host, Mar 2020

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review. Pompallier House is not and never has been part of this excursion, there is just isn't enough time. I am sorry you found the guide disappointing, however, as Pompallier House is of little significance in relation to the other historic missions houses in the region it is not surprising that she was unaware of its history.

Worst guide ever.

Gary_B, Feb 2020

Problems right out of the gate (or even getting out of the gate). Had a brand new first day on the job tour guide. Eleven of the twenty-one tourists were present 15 minutes ( as advised) before the scheduled departure time as advised. Come departure time and we were still 10 short. The guided was disorganized and finally went looking for the others. Found some and returned about 9:45. Come 10:00 and still 2 people short. They finally showed up at 10:15 and we got underway 45 - 50 minutes late. These people should have been let behind. This made us behind for the whole day. They guide gave us a little info, told about his history, then silence. Got to Russel basically just in time to catch the people ferry back to Pahia. Worst excursion (out of 20 years worth) ever. The guide should have had more training.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Firstly I am sincerely sorry that there were delays and that your excursion ran behind due to the late departure. As you are aware Paihia is a tender port and on the day of travel there were issues with the slowness of the tenders causing many passengers to be late and departures to be delayed or customers missing their excursions. Although this is a matter completely out of our control it is disappointing to learn that you experienced these issues on the day of travel. As you say the driver was not one of our regular drivers and was called in at the twelfth hour due our regular tour driver being unavailable due to a family emergency. In the circumstances I appreciate that the excursion did not meet your expectations and for this I am truly sorry.

Museum

Hedley_L, Feb 2020

Great tour and great local driver. Beautiful place and definitely a favourite of everyone on the tour

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for the awesome review! I'm pleased you had a nice time on your Russell and Waitangi Treaty Grounds Sightseeing Tour, particularly with your local driver/guide who transported you that day. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words. I hope you get to visit the Bay of Islands again soon!

Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Russell and Waitangi Treaty Grounds

From US$98.48

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