Bay of Islands Cruise Port Guide 🇳🇿 | Is it worth getting off the ship?
On our Celebrity cruise to New Zealand, we explored the Bay of Islands cruise port to see if this tender stop is worth your time. From stunning island views and beach walks to local shopping and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, this port day surprised us.
If you're cruising New Zealand and researching Bay of Islands, here’s what to expect:
• Tender port (no dock — small boats to shore)
• Easy access to town
• Beautiful shoreline walk
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds (New Zealand’s founding site)
• Local markets and shopping
We also share whether this cruise port is easy to explore on your own and if we’d get off the ship again.
Is Bay of Islands one of the best cruise ports in New Zealand? Watch to find out.
🚢 Cruise Planning Resources
Port: Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Port Type: Tender
💬 Question for You
When you're on a cruise, do you explore every port — or stay onboard?
And have you ever needed an extra suitcase for souvenirs? 🧳
We’re Rob & Kim from K & R Travel Journeys, sharing cruise port reviews and travel experiences to help you plan smarter.
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0:00 Is Bay of Islands Worth It?
0:30 Tender Port Arrival
1:05 Exploring Town & First Impressions
1:27 The New Zealand Sun (Hat Shopping!)
4:01 The Extra Suitcase Situation
4:15 Seeing Bay of Islands From Above
4:50 Walking the Beach Back to Port
5:55 Beach Walk or Shuttle?
6:00 Waitangi Treaty Grounds
7:12 More Shopping & Luggage Talk
7:47 Final Verdict – Would We Get Off Again?
8:27 Cruise Planning Tips
8:39 See You on the Next Journey
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