Cruising back into the Bay of Islands
Big ships have returned to the Bay of Islands at last
The two cruise ships anchored off Takepa Point near Russell recently have brought business back to the Bay of Islands.
The Majestic Princess arrived on the October 17 with 3560 passengers on board. The Celebrity Eclipse arrived on the 19th with 2850 passengers.
Charles Parker, chairman of Paihia Business Inc, said he didn’t have the final figures for the spend from passengers from the two ships, but there was a steady stream embarking on tenders coming into Paihia, Russell and surrounds.
“They did some retail, booked helicopter rides, went kayaking, booked tours to Puketi Forest, went to Russell for food and beverages, went to Kerikeri, booked a golf game or two, went diving, and some went on Fuller’s Cruises around the Bay,” he said.
It meant business for coaches and minibuses too, taking passengers to the various activities even as an estimated 20 per cent of passengers remained on board.
More than one passenger was reported to have “raved about the beauty of the area and the friendly people”, and told the locals they were lucky to live there.
Five cruise ships are due in November. The Majestic Princess returns, followed by the Seabourn Odyssey and the Westerdam, and the Celebrity Eclipse returns with numerous ports of call on the way to the
Bay — Sydney, Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland and, finally, the Bay of Islands.
At the end of the month, the largest of the cruise ships — the Ovation of the Seas, carrying 4180 passengers — will anchor out at sea.
In December, seven cruise ships are due in the Bay. The smallest is National Geographic’s ship Orion,
with just 106 passengers on board, and largest is the Majestic Princess, which makes a return visit with 3560 passengers.
All up, there will be nearly 26,000 cruise ship passengers visiting the Bay of Islands in November and December.
Art, pottery in Kerikeri
ArtCraft Kerikeri is an enthusiastic
group of painters and potters, working at the Cherry Park House in Kerikeri. Workshops and classes are also conducted there. This year, after two years of restrictions, ArtCraft is having its annual sale in the Art Market at Waipapa Hall off State Highway 10. There are about 60 members showing their artistic skills in ceramics and paintings.
The market will be replete with
artists’ paintings and ceramics for sale, live music, and freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. It’s the place to buy Christmas presents for others or for yourself — or, you can buy a raffle ticket or a lucky dip.
The artists will be present and are available discuss their creations or to discuss how to become an ArtCraft member. It’s a two-day event.
Contact: artcraftnz@gmail.com.