Hazard arrived at Sydney, New South Wales, on 15 December 1842, having left Singapore on 18 October, and Anyer, Java, on 1 November,[3] for refitting.

[7] In August, HMS Hazard sailed to Port Nicholson, with the Governor of New Zealand, Captain Robert FitzRoy, RN.

Though Commander Bell had been advised to stay over in Auckland due to illness, for his health he instead joined HM Colonial brig Victoria's cruise to the Bay of Islands.

Hazard was in the Bay of Islands on 11 March 1845 when a force of about 600 Māori armed with muskets, double-barrelled guns and tomahawks attacked Kororāreka (as Russell was then known).

Royal Marines and sailors from Hazard took part in the fighting ashore aiding a detachment of the 96th Regiment during the Battle of Kororāreka.

[11] In the evening, HM Colonial brig Victoria departed for Auckland with urgent despatches and her share of refugee women and children.

Most other refugees of Kororareka sailed for Auckland on 13 March 1845, in the Hazard,[12] English whaler Matilda, schooner Dolphin, and the 21-gun USS St. Louis.