Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Bay of Islands was lovely, despite bad weather. We walked to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and paid $40.00 per adult entry fee. The children were free. We saw the Maori traditional dance and song performance. It was very entertaining. After touring the grounds, we caught the shuttle into Pahia and then the Ferry over to Russell. We had lunch at the pub and then caught the Ferry back to tour the markets and souvenir shops. We found transport to be very reliable and well planned in Bay of Islands. It's very easy to do you own thing here with free shuttles etc.

Visited: Nov 07, 2017

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The most beautiful place to wake up to, the smell of fresh air breathtaking. Parasailing in Paihai was wonderful, so peaceful and enjoyable for both of us

Although our segment involved mostly sea days, the shore excursions we did take were good, typically we never go the independent route on shore excursions but use those provided by the cruise line. One in particular illustrates how Princess stands out here----"We were confused about meet times one morning at the Bay of Islands, so when we showed up for our muster time they told us our excursion had already left. Anyway, bummer, but then, the shore rep said you can get on "this one" if you want instead, which was leaving just then. We took it. We were supposed to be on a rain forest type hike and glow worm cave visit, which we were regretting due to all the rain. As it turned out, the alternative was much better and dryer, plus the one we were to be on they didn't even get into the caves as they flooded and during the rain forest hike portion everybody got soaked. Mistakes sometimes turn out for the better.

Visited: Jan 22, 2018

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Just beautiful, we really enjoyed it all especially the Maori women singing. The coffee on the pier was also fabulous. I recommend catching a ferry to the islands across the Bay

Paihia was lovely (we arrived on a Saturday) , there was an arts and crafts market, and plenty of tours available. There was a small shopping village for the things you may have forgotten. We took the ferry $25NZD return for 2 adults to Russell where we walked along beach front and had a beer (it was St Patrick's day) at the famous Duke of Marlborough hotel. Fantastic place.