Bay of Islands Ferries

Getting around the Bay of Islands by ferry isn’t just practical transport; it’s one of the best parts of being here. Whether you’re commuting between towns, bringing your vehicle across the harbour, or heading out to an island, the local ferry services offer reliable connections with stunning water views included in the price.

Passenger Ferry: Paihia to Russell

The passenger ferry between Paihia and Russell is the classic Bay of Islands journey. This short crossing connects two of the region’s main towns, saving you a lengthy drive around the harbour and delivering you straight onto the waterfront at either end.

Northland Ferries runs the service throughout the day with regular departures, more frequent in summer than winter. The 15-minute crossing takes you across the harbour with views out toward the islands and back to the coastal hills. It’s a working ferry, so you’ll share the ride with everyone from school kids to backpackers.

The ferry leaves from Paihia’s waterfront near the main town centre and arrives at Russell’s wharf, right in the heart of the historic township. Some sailings can drop you at Waitangi on request, which is useful if you’re visiting the Treaty Grounds.

Pricing is around $15-20 return for adults, with discounted fares for children and family passes available. Bicycles can be brought aboard for a small additional fee. Check Northland Ferries for current timetables and exact pricing.

Vehicle Ferry: Opua to Okiato

If you’re travelling with a car, campervan, or any other vehicle, the Opua to Okiato vehicle ferry cuts across the harbour. This service is essential if you want to reach Russell or the eastern side of the Bay of Islands without driving the long way around.

The ferry operates as a shuttle, running frequently throughout the day from early morning until late evening. The crossing takes around 10 minutes, and the service handles everything from motorcycles and cars through to large campervans, buses, and truck-trailer units.

Opua is about a seven-minute drive from Paihia, while Okiato sits about 10 minutes from Russell, so factor in a bit of extra travel time on either side. The terminals are straightforward: join the ferry lane and follow the crew’s directions when boarding.

One important note for large vehicles or low-clearance campervans: the ferry ramps can cause ground clearance issues at low tide. If you’re in something particularly long or low to the ground, it’s recommended to travel within a couple of hours either side of high tide. When in doubt, the team at Northland Ferries can advise on suitable crossing times.

Vehicle ferry pricing typically starts around $15-20 for standard cars (one way), with larger vehicles priced according to length. Passengers travelling in the vehicle aren’t charged extra. Visit the Northland Ferries website for up-to-date pricing and booking information.

Island Ferry: Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island

The ferry service to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island offers something different. This isn’t about getting from A to B; it’s about escaping to an island sanctuary where you can spend a few hours or a full day exploring.

The Otehei Bay ferry takes you out to one of the largest islands in the Bay. Once you arrive, you’ll find sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling, walking tracks that traverse the island with lookout points offering sweeping views, and a fully licensed café where you can refuel. The island is part of a pest-free wildlife sanctuary, home to native birds including kākāriki (red-crowned parakeet), tīeke (North Island saddleback), and toutouwai (North Island robin).

It’s popular with families, walkers, and anyone wanting a quieter alternative to the main towns. You can fill a day here or just come across for a swim and lunch. Designated campsites are available if you want to stay overnight and really unwind on island time.

Ferry services and pricing vary depending on the season. Check the Explore Group website for current schedules and bookings. Expect pricing to be in the range of other regional ferry services, with options for return trips and combined packages that might include activities or café vouchers.

Planning Your Ferry Journey

Ferry services in the Bay of Islands are reliable and well-established, but it’s always worth checking ahead, especially during winter months or if you’re travelling at the beginning or end of the day when services may be less frequent.

For the passenger and vehicle ferries operated by Northland Ferries, you can simply turn up and pay on board (cash and card accepted). The Otehei Bay ferry to Urupukapuka Island may require advance booking depending on the time of year, particularly during the busy summer season.

All ferry operators maintain up-to-date information on their websites, including any service disruptions, weather-related delays, or changes to schedules. As pricing can change, consult the operators’ websites for the most current fares. The prices mentioned here are approximate as of November 2025.

Whether you’re hopping across to Russell for lunch, bringing your campervan over on the vehicle ferry, or heading out to explore an island, the Bay of Islands ferry services make water-based transport simple, scenic, and convenient.