Cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to shore at one of two locations: near the treaty grounds at Waitangi or near Piahia. Each tender drop-off point has a tourist information center. From Piahia, catch a bus into the town center or take a ferry to nearby Russell.
Buses depart from Akaroa for Christchurch at 9:30 and 10:30 am daily and return by 4:30 pm.