Paihia Wharf near the bus and coach stop on Marsden Road is the departure point for ferries to Russell as well as sightseeing cruises.
Fullers InterCity Ferries operate between Paihia and Russell; the 15-minute trip costs $12.50 return and ferries depart from Paihia Wharf every half hour.
There is also a car ferry, which leaves from Opua (6km south of Paihia) every 10 minutes, which can be better value if several people are travelling together.
The most popular sightseeing cruises are the cruises to the Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island, which also offer opportunities to see dolphins.