Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Waitangi, Bay of Islands

New Zealand

Explore the historic Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's founding document was signed, then cruise through stunning turquoise waters dotted with ancient volcanic islands.

💱 Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
🗣 Language English, Te Reo Māori
🕐 Time Zone NZDT (UTC+13) or NZST (UTC+12)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Feb
🚢 Typical Duration 14-65 nights
💰 Price Range From $3,019 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand's most scenic coastal regions, featuring pristine beaches, historic sites, and abundant marine wildlife.

Cruises that visit Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Build Your Day in Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Made our long drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands so, so worth it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k
Zane Grey's Restaurant and Bar it’s definitely the best restaurant in NZ north of Auckland! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Paihia Wharf There's lots of things to do to explore the Bay of Islands. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Haruru Falls Not to be missed when you gonna go to bay of island, not to far from Paihia. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Open now
Charlotte's Kitchen If you head to Paihia, it’s worth coming here for lunch or dinner. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack Always a place to go to when in the Bay of Islands Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Hone's Garden Everyone we have met this month in NZ said, you have to go here. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Woolworths Waitangi Every aisle looks clean and there is plenty of parking space outside. Grocery store · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
TIPSY OYSTER Best food we've had on our New Zealand trip. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Great location at the harbor in Paihia with stunning views. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi More New Zealanders should attend / visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Museum · ★ 4.8 · 1k
BAD HABITS During our 4 night stay in Paihia, we were to dinner here twice. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
The Blue Door Paihia I recently dined at The Blue Door in Paihia and was thoroughly impressed. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Third Wheel Coffee Co. A welcome oasis amongst the many toursit-centric spots in Paihia! Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Waitangi Holiday Park It's the perfect location to explore The Bay of Islands. Campground · ★ 4.1 · 1k
PhatHouse Brewing Co. We will keep an eye out for your beer in Auckland . Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Waitangi Mountain Bike Park The cruise ship made an unanticipated stop in Bay of Islands NZ. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Island Getaway Tours A must do if you are at the Bay of Islands. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Sage Restaurant One of the best restaurants we’ve visited in New Zealand so far. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Paihia Lookout It's also the start of Paihia-Opua walk. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Cruise to the Hole in the Rock Not to be missed opportunity to experience the best of the Bay of Islands. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Paihia Sports Bar In Paihia for the Bay of Islands Country Music festival 2024... Sports bar · ★ 4 · 0k
The Rock Adventure Cruise We went diving around the Bays and exploring Motuarohia island. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Holy Guaca-Moly | Mexican We dined here for dinner during our stay in Paihia. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Bay of Islands Adventures Ltd This is a must do if you’re traveling to Bay of Islands. Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Monkey Business Easily the best place to eat in Paihia. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Glasshouse Kitchen and Bar We were staying at the Paihia Resort of which Glasshouse is a part. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Roadrunner Tavern I went to Roadrunner Tavern in Opua, a small pub, and had a great time. Pub · ★ 4.2 · 0k
By George NZ First restaurant to see it in New Zealand during my five days stay. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Wave - Kitchen & Bar Best meal of our Bay of Islands trip so far. European · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Start of Haruru Falls Track From Falls to Waitangi. Park · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Kindred Spirits Mobile bar The portable bar they set up looks super cool and their staff were lovely. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Waka - Maori canoe Just a small part of the Waitangi experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Treaty House Beautiful walks and views, and well-described history. Museum · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Gold 'n' Gifts She has a great selection of gifts and watches. Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Flying Fish Design Store Excellent beautiful products, warm, welcoming staff. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Selwyn Mall Some nice quaint random shops with friendly and helpful staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
The Cabbage Tree Lots of gifts and souvenirs. Gift shop · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Rip Curl Paihia Exception service from the islander lady in this shop. Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Waitangi One Way Bridge Even though there is only one lane, it still has a pedestrian path. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open now
The Saltwater Cafe & Bar The night club of Paihia! Lodge · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Maritime Building A very well organized tourist hub. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Ella & Co Beautiful boutique with something for everyone. Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
The Bay of Islands Trading Company So many beautiful things, and lovely clothing. Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Taiamai Tours Heritage Journeys Marvelous escape from the typical walking or museum tour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bay of Islands Tours Great tour to the glow worms and Kauri forest. Tour operator · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Little Giants NZ A must visit on any trip to the lovely Paihia. Home goods store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Waitangi, Bay of Islands

About Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Waitangi, nestled in the stunning Bay of Islands, serves as a port of call for cruise travelers exploring the South Pacific and Australasian regions. Two established cruise lines—Holland America Line and Viking Ocean Cruises—regularly call here, offering passengers a taste of New Zealand's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Most cruises visiting Waitangi are part of longer 14-night itineraries that connect to major destinations like Sydney, Auckland, and Cairns, making this a popular stop during the peak seasons of December through February and September through October.

During your time ashore, you'll discover why the Bay of Islands has captivated visitors for generations. The region's pristine waters and lush landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for exploring New Zealand's rich Maori heritage and colonial history. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Waitangi offers cruise passengers an authentic slice of Kiwi life in one of the country's most picturesque corners.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Historic Treaty Grounds

Visit the iconic Treaty House at Waitangi, where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840. Walk through beautifully preserved gardens, view the impressive Māori meeting house (wharenui), and learn about the nation's pivotal history through engaging museum exhibits and cultural demonstrations that bring this significant site to life.

2

Taste Fresh Bay of Islands Seafood

Savor locally caught snapper, kingfish, and green-lipped mussels at waterfront restaurants overlooking the sparkling bay. The region's seafood is exceptionally fresh, often caught that morning, and prepared with contemporary New Zealand flair. Pair your meal with local wines from nearby vineyards for an authentic culinary experience.

3

Cruise the Stunning Bay of Islands

Embark on a scenic boat tour through the Bay of Islands' 144 islands, discovering hidden coves, dramatic rock formations, and pristine beaches. Watch for dolphins and penguins in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of lush coastal landscapes that showcase New Zealand's raw natural beauty.

4

Browse Haruru Falls Market & Shops

Explore charming local boutiques and craft markets near Haruru Falls, featuring handmade Māori art, jade carvings, and artisan goods. The area's galleries showcase talented local artists, and you'll find unique souvenirs impossible to find elsewhere—perfect mementos of your New Zealand adventure.

5

Experience Māori Cultural Performances

Witness traditional haka dances, hear haunting waiata (songs), and learn about Māori customs through cultural performances at local venues. These authentic experiences offer profound insight into indigenous New Zealand heritage, complete with explanations of ceremonial significance and the stories behind ancient traditions.

Cruise Lines at Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Cruises Departing From Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Cruises Visiting Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Ship Schedule at Waitangi, Bay of Islands

Waitangi, Bay of Islands Location

Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waitangi, Bay of Islands?

A historic site in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, known for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

What does NZWTG stand for?

The UN/LOCODE for Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

What is the port type?

Official port.

Where is Waitangi located?

Lat -35.25 and long 174.0833 in New Zealand.

What attractions are nearby?

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, water tours, and island excursions.