Paihia is the main town of the Bay of Islands: a jump-off point for cruises across the bay and to its many islands, and a convenient place for lodging and dining.
As a major tourist destination, the Bay of Islands offers a variety of activities and tours, many of whose operators are in seaside Paihia.
While Paihia has a variety of lodging options, in the end it does not really matter to a substantial degree whether one finds accommodation in Paihia — or in Russell across the water to the east, or in Kerikeri northwest of Paihia — as most Bay of Islands tour operators would pick up those who book with them from hotels or motels in any of these towns.
Right by the wharf
Whatever travel or tour information you need is easily found in the Paihia wharf area where you will find the Visitor Information Centre as well as offices of tour operator Fullers where you'll find a variety of cruises on offer.
Paihia is actually a small town but its population swells through the main summer tourist season. (It's always wise to book accommodation well in advance.)
There are a number of restaurants offering various types of fare, from seafood to the ubiquitous steak.
Paihia attractions
Some places in Paihia you may want to visit:
Kelly Tarlton's Shipwreck Museum. This is an old sailing ship beached near the bridge across the Waitangi River and fitted out with shipwreck objects and artefacts.
Haruru Falls. A few kilometres upriver from the Shipwreck Museum, which may also be accessed through the Waitangi National Reserve.
Lily Pond Farm Park. Black swans, pheasants and a variety of other birds and farm animals. Horse and pony rides.
Opua Forest. There are a variety of forest walking tracks to suit everybody's level of fitness ranging from short 10-minute to longer three-hour walks.
Kauri trees. There is a stand of kauri trees (tall coniferous New Zealand trees) in Opua Forest.
Beaches and bike trails. Boats, kayaks and bikes are available for hire. Ask at the information centre for the best beaches and best bike tracks.
Next page: Russell: Air of a Country Town
- (Photo courtesy of Destination Northland)
