Paihia – Video Transcript
0:00 – Welcome to Paihia (Gateway to the Bay of Islands)
Welcome to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands, where calm turquoise waters, island-dotted horizons, and rich history come together in New Zealand’s Far North. Small in size but full of energy, Paihia is one of the country’s most popular coastal bases for ocean adventure, marine tourism, and island exploration.

0:20 – Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Birthplace of New Zealand)
Discover the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand’s most important cultural and historical sites, where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs.
Often described as the birthplace of the nation, Waitangi is where the foundations of modern New Zealand were established.

0:40 – Māori Culture & Heritage Experiences
Explore world-class museums, cultural performances inside traditional meeting houses, guided heritage tours, native forest walks, and the impressive ceremonial war canoe. This is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience Māori culture and history firsthand.

0:58 – Island Cruises & Dolphin Watching
Cruising the Bay of Islands is one of the top things to do in Paihia. Boat tours travel through sheltered waters and island landscapes, where dolphins are often seen swimming alongside vessels in their natural environment.

1:08 – Helicopter Flights to the Hole in the Rock
For a truly unforgettable experience, take a scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands and land at the iconic Hole in the Rock, experiencing this natural landmark from both the air and the ground.

1:25 – Parasailing Adventure
For adrenaline seekers, parasailing offers panoramic views high above the Bay of Islands, with sweeping vistas of turquoise waters, beaches, and surrounding islands.

1:30 – Mountain Biking & Outdoor Trails
Explore nearby mountain bike trails through native bush and forest landscapes, with routes suitable for beginners through to advanced riders.

1:41 – The Beauty of Paihia
Paihia blends relaxation and adventure effortlessly, with warm waters, rich cultural history, and endless ways to explore the sea and surrounding islands. Every day here is shaped by the tide and the natural rhythm of the bay.

Book your next adventure now at SeeAndDo.co.nz

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

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.

Paihia Wharf is the centre of activity in the Bay of Islands, with ferries, tour boats, and water taxis connecting visitors to nearby islands, beaches, and the historic town of Russell. The area is famous for Hole in the Rock cruises, marine wildlife encounters, and relaxing waterfront dining with stunning coastal views.

Rich in culture and history, Paihia sits beside the iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds — one of New Zealand’s most significant historic attractions and the birthplace of the nation. Nearby Kerikeri offers wineries, artisan food experiences, galleries, and historic landmarks including the Stone Store and Kemp House.

With its subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and huge range of outdoor activities, Paihia is the ideal destination for families, couples, cruise visitors, and adventure travellers exploring the Far North.

Tourist Information About Paihia

Northland Attractions & Activities by Area

Popular in Paihia

Paihia, Northland

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

Travel along Ninety Mile Beach

from NZ $195.00

11:05 hours

4.4 / 5 (324)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

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

Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse

from NZ $169.00

4 Hours 30 Mins

4.9 / 5 (194)

Paihia, Northland

Hole in the Rock Cruise

Hole in the Rock, and when conditions permit travel through it

from NZ $170.00

04:30 hours

4.4 / 5 (324)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Parasailing in the Bay of Islands

New Zealands Highest Parasail

from NZ $250.00

4.9 / 5 (225)

Activities and Attractions in Paihia

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting

from NZ $105.00

2 Hours

4.9 / 5 (226)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildli...

Dolphin and wildlife watching from our maine mammal permitted yacht

from NZ $200

6 hours

4.8 / 5 (57)

Paihia, Northland

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

4.7 / 5 (3910)

Paihia, Northland

Beauty & Spa Treatments

Indulge in a range of beauty treatments from our experienced spa therapists

from NZ $69.00

30 mins

4.3 / 5 (517)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Island Hopper Sailing Cruise

Sailing on a comfortable cruising catamaran

from NZ $245.00

6 Hours

4.9 / 5 (226)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Canterbury Wreck and Reef Dive

HMNZS Canterbury Wreck

from NZ $220.00

8 Hours

5.0 / 5 (314)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands

Extreme Fishing in the Bay of Islands

from NZ $400.00

5 Hours

4.9 / 5 (47)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Rainbow Warrior and Reef Dive

Diving The Rainbow Warrior Wreck

from NZ $220.00

8 Hours

5.0 / 5 (314)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Bay of Islands Snorkelling

Two epic Snorkelling spots

from NZ $220.00

5 Hours

5.0 / 5 (201)

Paihia, Northland

Super Cruise Combo - The Cream Trip including...

1.5 hour island stopover at Otehei Bay

from NZ $225.00

08:30 hours

4.4 / 5 (324)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Private Day Charter

Luxury Yacht

from NZ $3200

6 Hours

5.0 / 5 (62)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Full Day Sailing Charter with Island Stop and...

Day Sailing Charter

from NZ $215.00

6 Hours

5.0 / 5 (77)

Bay Of Islands, Northland

Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Hundertwasser Centre,...

Kawiti Glow Worm Caves

from NZ $250.00

4 Hours

5.0 / 5 (16)

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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?

Nearby attractions include the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the town of Russell across the water, and Kerikeri’s wineries, markets, and historic sites.

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

Take a boat trip out into the Bay of Islands and the 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

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

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

Go Mountain Biking at the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

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

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

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

Take an Awesome Helicopter Flight Activity over the Bay of Islands

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.