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Things To Do In Paihia

Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands and is filled with awesome activities and fun things to see and do with its stunning beaches, great restaurants, historical attractions and quaint but busy wharf which offers the gateway to... Show More

Tourist Information About Paihia

Top Attractions

Beauty & Spa Treatments

Beauty & Spa Trea...

Relax and unwind at La Spa Naturale as our professionally trained Beauty and Mas ......

Waitangi Admission Pass

Waitangi Admission Pa...

Discover Waitangi’s contemporary museums, Māori cultural performances in an a ......

Scenic Circuit

Scenic Circuit

Scenic Tour Hear some of the local history and lifestyle stories. Waitangi Gol ......

Rainbow Warrior and Reef Dive

Rainbow Warrior and R...

The Rainbow Warrior was Greenpeace’s flagship.On its way to protest France’s ......

Dolphin Eco Cruise

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Bay of Islands and its abundant wildlife. Spot marine mammals in their ...

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NZ $150.00 Book Now

Hole in the Rock Helicopter Scenic Flight

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand so this helicopter scenic flight of ...

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NZ $280 Book Now

Parasailing in the Bay of Islands

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

New Zealand's highest parasailing at 1300ft over the stunning Bay of Islands. We offer Single, Tandem and Triple fligh ...

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NZ $115 Book Now

Glow Worm Cave Tour

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Visit Glow Worm Cave enjoy a guided tour thru the cave with a family member Scenic Sights & Commentary as you trav ...

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NZ $130 Book Now

Skydive in the Bay of Islands

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Blue skies, blue waters, golden sands and sunshine is what we’re all about. Oh, and we LOVE skydiving! The thrill, the ...

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NZ $579.00 Book Now

Private Day Charter

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Board our beautiful sailing catamaran, “Serenity”, from Paihia or your chosen pickup point. We will hoist the sails ...

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NZ $3200 Book Now

Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Our aim is to make your fishing adventure and stay in the bay of islands an experience you will remember.rnWithin 5 mile ...

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NZ $180.00 Book Now

Bay of Islands Day Cruise

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Relax in comfort as we sail through the Bay of Islands and stop off in one of its many idyllic islands. Enjoy lunch aboa ...

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NZ $195.00 Book Now

Thunder Trike Tours - Bay of Islands V8 Adventure

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Have awesome thrills on a V8 350 Chev Trike with a 30 or 60 minute tour from Paihia. For those that love adrenaline, exp ...

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NZ $89 Book Now

Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildlife day Cruise

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Come sailing with us and discover the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife of the beautiful bay of islands. Surround ...

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NZ $180 Book Now

Island Hopper Sailing Cruise

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Join the Barefoot Sailing crew for a magical sailing experience in the Bay of Islands. Specialising in small groups, you ...

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NZ $185.00 Book Now

Ocean Adventure

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Experience the thrill of Ocean Adventure - the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock on this 1.5hour experience.

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NZ $150.00 Book Now

Wine Tasting & Lunch Adventures

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

We visit three (3) vineyards : offering some unique wine varieties only grown in Northland Tastings can include w ...

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NZ $120.00 Book Now

Hole in the Rock Cruise

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. See the historic Cape Brett lighthou ...

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NZ $150.00 Book Now

Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Fancy an evening cruise? Sail the inner area of the Bay of Islands, making the most of our beautiful sea breeze on o ...

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NZ $80.00 Book Now

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Journey to the very tip of the North Island and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgetta ...

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NZ $170.00 Book Now

Canterbury Wreck and Reef Dive

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

The former Navy Frigate Canterbury F421 now rests in Deep Water Cove near Cape Brett. Upright and intact, she makes for ...

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NZ $200.00 Book Now

Glass Bottom Boat Tours to the Hole in the Rock

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Check out the Hole in the Rock and the Fish through the Glass Bottom at Otehei Bay!

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NZ $115.00 Book Now

Wine Tasting & Scenic Adventure

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

A land based tour in the beautiful Bay of Islands area including Wine Tasting, Lunch at a Vineyard, Historic Buildin ...

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NZ $150.00 Book Now

Jet Boat Ride

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Xtreme Jet Bay of Islands is the Bay’s newest and fastest thrill ride. With speeds of up to 80km/h you’re in for an ...

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NZ $290.00 Book Now

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park Experience

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Get ready for an adventure like no other! Discover the exhilarating trails of Waitangi Mountain Bike Park with Paihia Mo ...

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NZ $40.00 Book Now

Bay of Islands Snorkelling

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

We're the Bay of Islands' only dedicated snorkeling experience. Hop in for an epic underwater adventure filled with coun ...

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NZ $190.00 Book Now

4.5hr // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Embark on a captivating 4.5-hour cruise and island tour in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, where you'll sail amidst stu ...

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NZ $149.00 Book Now

Super Cruise Combo - The Cream Trip including Hole in the Rock

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

See it all and do it all on our super cruise combo combining the best of the The Cream Trip and the Hole in the Rock Cru ...

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NZ $195.00 Book Now

Ultimate Combo Cruise - Dolphin Eco Cruise including Hole in the Rock

Activity LocationBay Of Islands, Northland

Experience the best of the bay on our full day ultimate cruise combo combining the best of Discover the Bay and our Dolp ...

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NZ $195.00 Book Now

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

Discover the spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife and rich history of this New Zealand paradise on our quintessenti ...

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NZ $150.00 Book Now

Hole in the Rock Helicopter Landing Experience

Activity LocationPaihia, Northland

For many years visitors have come to the Bay of Islands to venture through this top New Zealand icon the Hole in the Roc ...

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NZ $429 Book Now

Related Areas

Tourist Information About Paihia

Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands and is filled with awesome activities and fun things to see and do with its stunning beaches, great restaurants, historical attractions and quaint but busy wharf which offers the gateway to the Bay of Islands with its 144 islands. It is an excellent place to base yourself for an amazing stay in Northlandand most tourist activities leave from here.

Paihia has huge cultural significance with Waitangi Treaty Grounds on its doorstep which is New Zealand’s most important historic site, and the quaint township Russell a short boat ride away which was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand.

From the wharf, you can arrange a trip to the outer islands, hook into a fishing expedition or catch the ferry to Russell. There are many free things to do too with beautiful walks, beaches and swimming spots and just west of Paihia is Haruru falls, its impressive waterfall and a boardwalk.

Those looking for water-based activities have a huge choice, with fast jet boats, several Yachts and catamaran day sails, fishing trips, scuba diving activities, historic tall ship sailing and more. Hire a bike and check out the new Waitangi Mountain Bike Park or go on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. For a bird’s-eye view take a scenic helicopter flight or for the more adventurous option you can go skydiving and try parasailing where you can enjoy aerial views of Paihia and out over the Bay of Islands.

One of the main tourist attractions is the ‘Hole in the Rock’ out at the entrance of the Bay of Islands. There are great boat trips to take you there including an exhilarating fast boat, an historic Cream Trip and a Nature Cruise where along the way you can often view dolphins and other marine life including seals, whales and sea birds. You can view many islands along the way and get dropped on an island to have lunch relax or explore. You can also view and actually land by helicopter on an exclusive helipad on top of the island.

There are also many walks in the area with a popular walk on boardwalk to Haruru Falls which showcases an impressive waterfall. The historic village of Russell is just across the Bay which was once known from its whaling days as the ‘Hell hole of the Pacific. Today it offers a more relaxed atmosphere with lots of history it also has the oldest licensed pub in New Zealand.

The town of Kerikeri known for its horticulture is just 20 minutes’ drive away. You can take a wine tour to visit some of its many vineyard attractions and the divine Makana Chocolate factory where you will get a free sample! On Saturdays and Sundays you can visit the Old Packhouse Market where you can buy fresh produce and browse around 100 local venders stalls including art and crafts. Nearby is Kerikeri basin with two of New Zealand’s most historical buildings ‘The Stone Store’ and ‘Mission House’. There are historical and scenic tours to Kerikeri to make the most of this experience with excellent local guides!

Tourism Activities in Paihia

1. Take a boat trip out into the Bay of Islands and the "Hole in the Rock"

Take a boat trip out into the Bay of Islands and the Hole in the Rock

With an incredible 144 Islands filled with stunning beaches, clear water for diving, excellent fishing, dolphins and wildlife this is the best thing to do for water lovers. The Bay of Islands is a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of activities that can show you wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. The famous “Hole in the Rock” is a great attraction and fun day right out to the entrance of the Bay of Islands with many activity providers including this as part of their day out and if weather permits you may even be taken right through it! Many of the islands here are conservation areas and have walking track attractions showing beautiful natural habitat and native birds. A choice of tour operators in the region offer excellent tours and trips around the area leaving from the Paihia Wharf including a selection of relaxing day sail yachting activities, scuba diving activities, the historical Cream Trip Cruise, exciting fast jet boat rides, excellent fishing trips and more.

 

2. Visit New Zealand’s Most Important Historic Site, The Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Visit New Zealands Most Important Historic Site, The Waitangi Treaty Grounds

In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori and Europeans which marked the beginning of New Zealand as a nation. See where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the historic Treaty House at Waitangi. Explore the two new contemporary museums, Te Rau Aroha, Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, the carving studio, the Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga (Carved Meeting House), traditional Māori waka taua (war canoes) and enjoy a full programme of tours and cultural performances. . Visitors to Waitangi Treaty Grounds purchase an Experience which includes a guided tour (50 minutes), a Māori cultural performance (30 minutes), entry to the two museums, the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House, and grounds with the ceremonial war canoe. Waitangi by Night is available from December to March. Experience Waitangi like never before with after-hours museum access, a gourmet barbecue and games on the Treaty Grounds.

 

3. Go Mountain Biking at the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

Go Mountain Biking at the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park provides the perfect introduction to mountain biking with lots of easy, scenic trails that you can take at your own pace. It offers 30 trails of varying difficulty with great flow and features with introductory downhill riding, jump trails, cross country and beginner trails. There are plenty of fast, flowing berms, rollers and jumps. Grade 2 and 3 runs are so well built, they’re still fun for more advanced riders. The downhill trails milk the most out of the vertical elevation available providing a lot of fun for a small amount of climbing. You can hire bikes from Paihia Mountain Bikes and buy shuttle passes during Weekends, School and Public Holidays. The Waitangi MTB Park Uplift Shuttle Busses take you to the top of the hill to take the downhill tracks. A fantastic service allowing you to skip the uphill ride and get straight into the fun of the downhills.

 

4. Bike the Twin Coast Cycle Trail

Bike the Twin Coast Cycle Trail

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail (Pou Herenga Tai) is an amazing attraction in the stunning Far North that covers 87 kms from Opua in the east to Horeke in the Hokianga in the west. You can hire a mountain bike or an e-bike and ride along a disused railway line that takes you along the longest curved wooden bridge in New Zealand, along broad walks through mangrove forests, stunning native bush and a working vintage steam railway in Kawakawa. Through tunnels and across bridges and beautiful New Zealand farmland. For an extra things to do along the way visit the Pioneer Village where you can bike through an historic NZ village in Kaikohe and then bike just along the road to visit a Firehouse Museum. The scenery is amazing but this trail is also steeped in Maori and early European history. Following a smooth rail trail, cycle paths, wetland boardwalk, suspension bridges and country roads, it can be broken into smaller day trip activities. It is both a relaxing and highly rewarding attraction, with opportunities to visit various cultural sites and attractions right across the country from the Bay of Islands in the East Coast of New Zealand to the Hokianga in the West Coast of New Zealand, while enjoying the sub-tropical climate for which the ‘winterless’ north is famous.

 

5. Go on a Thunder Trike Tour

Go on a Thunder Trike Tour

Take an exhilarating cruise activity through Paihia on a custom Kiwi built V8 Chev Trike! Feel the wind in your hair and experience a unique NZ made V8 Chev Thunder Trike! This is one of the more unique attractions you can experience in your life! Enjoying the sights, sounds and smells on a V8 Trike is an awesome thing to do in the stunning Paihia area making the most of the incredible views. Choose from three tour options around the idyllic Bay of Islands, bring your camera, sunglasses and sense of adventure for this fun attraction. Built in Christchurch New Zealand and powered by a 5.7L 350 Chevrolet Edelbrock motor, these trikes are the ultimate in power and excitement. No helmets are required since the trikes are registered as convertible cars and come complete with full seat belts. You can enjoy the wind in your face and experience the adrenaline!

 

6. Try a Double Parasailing activity over the Bay of Islands

Try a Double Parasailing activity over the Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands Parasail leaves from the Paihia Wharf 4 times a day and has New Zealand's highest parasailing at 1300ft affording stunning views over the Bay of Islands. With specially designed boats for this awesome activity to make it safe and easy to catch the wind. This is an amazing and fun thing to do and an incredible way to see the Bay of Islands from the air. Bay of Islands Parasail has 20 years of experience and a perfect safety record, take-off and landing is easy from the back of the boat and its fun and safe. This activity is suitable for all ages as it has no physical restrictions. For extra fun in summer they can dip your toes into the water during your parasail, but there is no getting wet unless you want to! There are tandem flights available all with insane views over the Bay of Islands.

 

7. Take a Wine Tasting or Scenic Tour with a Local Tour Guide

Take a Wine Tasting or Scenic Tour with a Local Tour Guide

Go for an adventure with one of the local wine tours or scenic tours and be looked after and shown around by one of the local Northland tour guides. There are several tour activities on offer visiting the many attractions the Bay of Islands has on offer all leaving from Paihia. Visit Kerikeri which is known for its wine, horticulture and history or visit a Glow Worm Cave with incredible rock formations and lush green rain-forest or take a custom tour to the Hokianga or the Far North of New Zealand. There is a Craft Beer & Wine Tour visiting two top local vineyards, a local brewery and a chocolate factory! A Wine Tasting & Scenic Adventure tour which can include Wine Tasting, Lunch at a Vineyard, Historic Buildings, Haruru Falls, Art & Crafts, Chocolate Factory and Honey tastings., and There is also Wine and Beer Tasting & Lunch Adventures visiting three different local Kerikeri vineyards. Tastings can include wines, ports, liqueur, or ask about the Craft Beer Brewery or the local Cheese Factory.

 

8. Take an Awesome Helicopter Flight Activity over the Bay of Islands

Take an Awesome Helicopter Flight Activity over the Bay of Islands

There are a few places in New Zealand where scenic flights are a must-do activity, and this is one of them. Flying over the Bay of Islands is spectacular. There are helicopter flights leaving any time during the day right from the main Wharf area in Paihia. The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery attractions in New Zealand with its 144 islands! This helicopter scenic flight is an incredible activity offering exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock". Another awesome thing to do is to take a Hole in the Rock Helicopter Landing Experience, landing by helicopter on an exclusive helipad on top of the island. The flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and surrounds before tracking along the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and it’s lighthouse where you will experience an exciting turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations to take a scenic Helicopter flight in New Zealand.

 

9. Visit Russell and go for an historic tour

Visit Russell and go for an historic tour

Just across the bay by ferry is the quiet and quaint little seaside village of Russell. Russell is rich in history with an interesting past and has many attractions and activities for tourists. Take a guided tour of New Zealand's most historic town once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" on-board a comfortable coach with Russell Mini Tours. Spend an interesting and relaxing hour aboard a comfortable Mini Coach and be taken back in time with the telling of stories going back to the earliest settlers whilst visiting places of significant historical interest around the Russell area not easily covered on foot. Discover why Russell has played such an important role in the history of New Zealand and why locals love it so much. Bus tours depart regularly from Russell Wharf. You can also have lunch in the famous Duke of Marlborough Hotel, visit Pompallier Mission and Printery, take a hike up to flagstaff hill and visit the beautiful Long Beach just over the hill from the town.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Paihia

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