Paihia New Zealand information. Paihia accommodation and hotel booking, travel, tours, activities and things to do. Events, maps and news for Paihia NZ.
Paihia Wharf
Sailing experience from Paihia
Dolphins at Paihia

Paihia

Paihia is the hub of the Bay of Islands, where bus tours to other areas leave and boat trips around the bay begin. Paihia has a variety of accommodation types available and is almost wall to wall motels along both the waterfront and the road entering town. This means that, except in the height of the season, around Christmas, it is relatively easy to find accommodation.

Te Tii Bay at the north end of Paihia is a popular beach for swimming and fishing. Its shore is lined with pohutukawa trees, and in late November and December when the trees are in bloom, the waterfront is a spectacular blaze of red. At the south end of the beach there is a children's playground that is always popular. North of the beach, to the left of the bridge to Waitangi, is local sailing ship 'Tui', renovated as the Kelly Tarlton's Shipwreck Museum, where many underwater finds are displayed.

From Paihia it is a short drive (or thirty minute walk) to Waitangi where, on 6th February each year, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is commemorated and a carnival held. This is a great day to visit our most important heritage site. Waitangi Day is one of the rare occasions when the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua, is taken out on the water, paddled by nearly a hundred young warriors.

In May/June the annual Matariki (Maori New Year) festival takes place. Here you can participate in activities with a Maori focus. This is an opportunity to learn about, and meet some of New Zealand's indigenous people.

In May the sound of country music echoes around the bay. This annual Paihia Country Music Festival has events in Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and Haruru Falls. It is easy to move between venues so that you do not miss hearing your favourite musicians. In August The Bay of Islands Jazz Festival is held over a weekend at the same four venues. This is a must attend event for those who love jazz.

In addition to tours and festivals, Paihia offers many outdoor activities; coastal and bush walks, paragliding, kayaking, sailing, swimming with dolphins, paintballing and mini golf. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and shops. Wander down to Paihia’s centre, the wharf area, book the tours you would like to take, or if you enjoy people watching, sit in the sun and observe the comings and goings both on and off the water.



See a complete list of Paihia activities.

This week's featured activities in Paihia are:

Featured Activities

Paihia Mountain Bikes

Paihia Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bike Rental - Paihia - Starting from NZ $79 per person

Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals services both the WAITANGI MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK and the TWIN COAST CYCLE RAIL TRAIL with Brand New, High Quality Full Suspension Mountain Bikes and Shuttle Services along the trails for both you and your bike. We can cater for large groups, smaller groups, teambuilding events and can personalise your biking adventure in Northland including accomodation packages. Please get in touch with any questions at all, only too happy to... More...

Top Trail Hire and Tours

Top Trail Hire and Tours

Mountain Bike Tour - Paihia - Starting from NZ $35 per person

Enjoy the Twin Coast Cycle Trail with 20 kilometres of trail for all ages & fitness levels. It is 2 to 3 hours of easy riding through rural views and native bush. Its gentle gradient and smooth surface makes it an easy ride for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels. We can pick you up in Paihia or Kaikohe and take you to Kaikohe, where we fit you out with bike and helmet drop you off at the start of the trail and pick you up at the end. You set the pace. More...

Paihia Dive

Paihia Dive

Diving / Snorkelling - Paihia

Paihia Dive in the Bay of Islands is the Far North of New Zealand's premier dive centre and it is our great pleasure to show you all the underwater wonders of this beautiful part of NZ. We offer trips to the spectacular Rainbow Warrior. More...

Bay of Islands Kayaking

Bay of Islands Kayaking

Kayaking - Paihia - Starting from NZ $85.00 per person

We offer Boutique guided Sea Kayaking Tours based in Paihia, Northland. Our selection of amazing tours offer something for everyone. Kayak tours start from a fun day tour to custom planned multi day trips in the upper North Island of NZ. If you want a real adventure we also hire kayaks for multi day rentals to the outer Islands and also have a Rental Base located at Otehei Bay with top of the range Sit on Top Kayaks & Paddleboards, perfect for all ages & abilities. More...

24 Day Absolute New Zealand Tour - Private - Fully Guided

24 Day Absolute New Zealand Tour - Private - Fully Guided

Private Tour - Taupo - Starting from $10737.75 per person

This 24 day, private and fully guided vacation takes in all New Zealand has to offer.  We will explore golden sand beaches, geothermal activity, geysers and learn about the local Maori and their customs in the North, before crossing over the Cook Strait and into the South Island. Once in the South Island we will be covering everything from glacier hikes to whale watching and from wine tasting to visiting what some call the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound.  This jam-packed itinerary... More...


Crows Nest VillasCrows Nest Villas - Apartment, Luxury Accommodation, Retreat.

Prepare yourself for a totally discerning experience with two exclusive Villas that overlook the magnificent blue-green...

Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of IslandsCape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands - Day Tour - Cape Reinga. Starting from $150.00 per person.

Take an action-packed day trip from Paihia to the tip of New Zealand’s North Island on a guided tour of the north...

 

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