Bay of Islands scenic tour: Waitangi, Russell & Flagstaff Hill

Drive the bay's full arc: from Waitangi's treaty history to Russell's waterfront and back by ferry

A guided tour of the Bay of Islands covering over 3 hours of stops across both sides of the bay, starting with pickup from Paihia or the cruise ship wharf. You visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Haruru Falls, and Paihia's waterfront, then board a vehicle ferry to Russell, where you climb Flagstaff Hill for panoramic views, walk Long Beach, and explore the historic village before returning by passenger ferry. The guide delivers detailed commentary on the area's geography and history. The group stays under 12 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Waitangipass by
2. Haruru Falls15m

Bay of Islands comprehensive scenic tour

• Pick-up from hotel or cruise wharf
• Drive to scenic view near Waitangi Golf Course
• Pass by Waitangi Treaty Grounds with guide commentary
• Drive to Haruru Falls for photo stop
• Drive through Paihia village and waterfront
• Drive to Opua Marina for ice-cream or coffee break
• Take vehicle ferry from Opua to Okiato
• Drive past Orongo Bay to historic Russell
• Drive to top of Flagstaff Hill for panoramic views
• Visit Long Beach in Russell and enjoy the sea
• Explore historic village of Russell with guide
• Free time in Russell with option for lunch or wine
• Return to Paihia by passenger ferry or bus

The Experience

The tour begins with pickup from your Paihia accommodation or the cruise ship wharf, then moves quickly through the region's key sites. A short drive takes you to a scenic overlook near Waitangi Golf Course, followed by the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where your guide explains the landmark's significance to New Zealand in detail. From there it's a brief stop at Haruru Falls for photos before you loop through Paihia village itself, where the guide points out restaurants, shops, and the waterfront beaches that frame the bay.

The route then heads to Opua Marina for a coffee or ice cream break, then boards the vehicle ferry for a scenic crossing to Okiato on the bay's far side. Once across, you drive to the top of Flagstaff Hill, one of the tour's highlights, for expansive views over the entire Bay of Islands. Long Beach comes next, where you can walk the sand and wade into the sea. The guide loops through Russell's historic village, pointing out the shops, restaurants, and heritage sites before you get free time to explore on your own: grab fish and chips on the beach, sit down for a glass of wine at a waterfront restaurant, or simply wander. Your passenger ferry ticket back to Paihia is included. If you'd rather return by bus, that option is available too.

The guide drives the vehicle throughout and delivers the commentary, so you stay seated and absorb the landscape and history without managing navigation. The small group size, capped at 11 people, means the pace stays relaxed and questions get answered. Air-conditioned transport keeps you comfortable across the 3+ hours, and both ferries are included in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise ship wharf pickup from the Paihia area.
• air-conditioned vehicle throughout.
• in-person guide delivering detailed commentary.
• vehicle ferry crossing from Opua to Okiato.
• passenger ferry return from Russell to Paihia.

Days and timesDaily · 10:00

AgesAges 16+ · 1 to 15 years

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends elsewhere35 pickup points to choose from.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Bay of Islands Scenic Tours

Is this one for you?A shared small-group tour with a live guide means you sit back and absorb the bay's geography and history without managing the route yourself, which works well if you want the story of the region without the logistics of driving. The group stays under 12 people, so the pace stays relaxed and the guide can answer questions. If you prefer a private vehicle or self-guided exploration, look for a different option.

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Top questions

Can children come?

1 to 15 years.

What is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and why does the guide spend time explaining it?

Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the site where New Zealand's founding treaty was signed in 1840. The guide explains its historical importance in detail because it shaped the nation's relationship between Māori and European settlers and remains central to New Zealand's identity.

How much free time do I get in Russell, and what is there to do?

Russell free time is open-ended. You decide how long to spend there. The village has waterfront restaurants serving wine and local seafood, shops, and Long Beach nearby for a walk. Most visitors spend an hour to 90 minutes exploring before catching the passenger ferry back.

Do I have to take the ferry back from Russell to Paihia, or can I return another way?

The passenger ferry return is included and is the standard way back, but you can choose to return on the bus instead if you prefer not to take the water crossing.

What is Flagstaff Hill and why is it highlighted as a tour highlight?

Flagstaff Hill sits at the top of a rise overlooking Russell and offers expansive, panoramic views across the entire Bay of Islands. It's the vantage point where you see the bay's full geography and the islands dotting the water: one of the most photographed spots on the tour.

Will I need to walk much, or is this mostly a driving tour?

This is primarily a driving tour with short walks at each stop: a photo break at Haruru Falls, a stroll through Paihia and Russell villages, and an optional wade at Long Beach. There's no strenuous hiking. It suits all fitness levels.