Paihia is one of the most popular places to visit in the Bay of Islands and serves as the main departure point for many of the region’s top attractions and activities. Located in the heart of Northland, Paihia offers easy access to island cruises, sailing adventures, dolphin watching tours, fishing charters, kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, and scenic helicopter flights.
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Paihia is the main tourism hub of the Bay of Islands and one of New Zealand’s favourite coastal holiday destinations. Known for its island cruises, dolphin encounters, beaches, and waterfront atmosphere, Paihia is the perfect base for exploring the wider Northland region, including Russell, Kerikeri, and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Things to do in Paihia
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Northland Attractions & Activities by Area
Popular in Paihia
from NZ $195.00
11:05 hours
4.5hr // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island...
Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse
from NZ $169.00
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Hole in the Rock, and when conditions permit travel through it
from NZ $170.00
04:30 hours
from NZ $250.00
Activities and Attractions in Paihia
from NZ $220.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $150
2 hours 
from NZ $140.00
4 hours 
from NZ $50
1 hours 
from NZ $220.00
5 hours 
from NZ $245.00
6 Hours 
Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting
from NZ $105.00
2 Hours 
Hole in the Rock Helicopter Scenic Flight
Bay of Islands scenery from the air
from NZ $325
20 mins
Hole in the Rock Helicopter Landing Experienc...
Exclusive opportunity to land on the Hole in the Rock
from NZ $480
35 mins
Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane
Visit Cape Reinga and return in just half a day
from NZ $525
from NZ $220.00
8 Hours 
Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands
Extreme Fishing in the Bay of Islands
from NZ $400.00
5 Hours 
Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildli...
Dolphin and wildlife watching from our maine mammal permitted yacht
from NZ $200
6 hours 
Waitangi Admission Pass
Full access to New Zealand’s most important historic site, including all heritage buildings and waka
from NZ $74.00
1 Hour
Beauty & Spa Treatments
Indulge in a range of beauty treatments from our experienced spa therapists
from NZ $69.00
30 mins
from NZ $250.00
4 Hours 
Super Cruise Combo - The Cream Trip including...
1.5 hour island stopover at Otehei Bay
from NZ $225.00
08:30 hours
from NZ $3200
6 Hours 
from NZ $220.00
from NZ $215.00
6 Hours Find your perfect Paihia experience
Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Paihia
What is Paihia known for?
Paihia is best known as the main gateway to the Bay of Islands. It’s famous for island cruises, dolphin watching, Hole in the Rock tours, and easy access to some of New Zealand’s best marine activities.
What are the best things to do in Paihia?
Top things to do in Paihia include cruises, sailing trips, fishing charters, kayaking, parasailing, scenic flights, and visiting nearby beaches. It’s also a great base for exploring surrounding towns like Russell and Kerikeri.
How do you get to Paihia from Auckland?
Paihia is approximately a 3-hour drive from Auckland. It is the most common base for exploring the Bay of Islands and is often included in Northland road trips and guided tours.
Is Paihia a good base for visiting the Bay of Islands?
Yes - Paihia is the main tourism hub of the Bay of Islands. Most cruises, tours, and water activities depart from Paihia Wharf, making it the most convenient place to stay.
Can you see dolphins in Paihia?
Yes, dolphin encounters are one of the most popular activities in Paihia. Many boat tours offer the chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife in their natural environment.
Is Paihia suitable for families?
Paihia is very family-friendly, with safe beaches, easy walking tracks, calm waters, and a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, including boat cruises and cultural experiences.
What is close to Paihia?
Tourist Information About Paihia
Things To Do in Paihia – Bay of Islands Adventure Hub
Paihia is the main gateway to the Bay of Islands in Northland and one of the best places in New Zealand to experience island cruises, marine wildlife, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.
Most activities in the region depart directly from Paihia Wharf, making it the ideal base for exploring the wider Northland including nearby Russell, Kerikeri, and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Below are the top experiences and things to do while staying in Paihia.
Bay of Islands Cruises, Sailing & Hole in the Rock
One of the most popular things to do in Paihia is to explore the Bay of Islands by boat. The region is home to 144 islands, sheltered waters, and abundant marine wildlife including dolphins, whales, seabirds, and fish life.
A highlight is the famous Hole in the Rock cruise at Cape Brett, where boats travel through dramatic coastal scenery and, in the right conditions, pass through the natural rock formation itself.
Visitors can choose from relaxed sailing cruises, catamaran experiences, fast jet boat rides, historical sailing trips, and fishing charters. Many trips include swimming stops, island landings, diving, snorkelling, and wildlife encounters.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds – New Zealand’s Most Important Historic Site
Just minutes from Paihia is the iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, marking the founding of modern New Zealand.
Visitors can explore cultural performances, guided tours, museums, carved meeting houses, traditional waka, and beautifully maintained grounds overlooking the Bay of Islands.
This is one of the most important cultural and historical experiences in New Zealand and a must-visit during any stay in Paihia..
Adventure Activities in Paihia
Paihia is also a hub for adventure activities in the Bay of Islands.
Popular experiences include:
Parasailing with panoramic coastal views
Jet boat rides and high-speed water adventures
Scuba diving and snorkelling in marine reserves
Kayaking around islands and secluded beaches
Mountain biking at nearby trail networks
Scenic helicopter flights over the Bay of Islands
For thrill-seekers, Paihia offers some of the most accessible adventure tourism in New Zealand.
Scenic Tours, Wine & Northland Day Trips
Paihia is also the starting point for guided scenic tours across Northland.
Popular day trips include:
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tours
Wine tasting and vineyard tours in Kerikeri
Glow worm caves and rainforest experiences
Cultural and historic sightseeing tours
Food, craft beer, and artisan tasting experiences
These tours showcase the wider Far North and are ideal for travellers wanting to explore beyond the coast.
Scenic Flights & Helicopter Experiences
For a truly unforgettable perspective, scenic helicopter flights offer breathtaking views over the Bay of Islands and its 144 islands.
Flights depart directly from Paihia and include coastal flyovers, island views, and optional landings at remote locations. These experiences provide one of the most spectacular ways to see the region.
Explore Nearby Towns – Russell & Kerikeri
Paihia is perfectly located for exploring nearby destinations.
Across the water is Russell, New Zealand’s first European settlement, known for its historic charm, waterfront dining, beaches, and walking tracks.
A short drive inland leads to Kerikeri, famous for wineries, artisan food producers, waterfalls, historic buildings, and local markets.
Together, these towns form the cultural and scenic heart of the Bay of Islands region in Northland.
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