Paihia is undoubtedly the jewel of the Bay of Islands. Located on the Northland coast, this town, less than a three-hour drive from Auckland, is a must-visit during your trip to the area. This small coastal town has it all—golden sandy beaches, an impressive waterfront promenade, and beautiful waterfalls.
But without a doubt, Paihia is the cultural heart of Northland. The most significant site in this seaside town is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the native Māori tribes and the English settlers finally signed the peace treaty after nearly a century of conflicts. A symbolic place on your journey to New Zealand.
The beauty of Northland is that it has the best weather in New Zealand and therefore Paihia can be visited all year round. However, we recommend visiting it especially during spring and summer (September to February). These months are the hottest, especially during summer, so swimming in the sea or enjoying water activities will not be a problem.
Just keep in mind that these months are high season, so you will need to book in advance.
The best way to get to Paihia is by car (even better if you’re travelling in a campervan). The journey from Auckland to Paihia is just 3 hours by car. From Wellington, the journey takes 11 hours.
Another option, somewhat more tedious but much quicker to get to Paihia, is by plane. You can take a domestic flight from Auckland to Kerikeri, which takes 40 minutes. Then just take a shuttle bus to Paihia, which takes 20 minutes. If you want to arrive by plane from anywhere else in New Zealand, you will first need to fly to Auckland.
Finally, another great option, especially if you’re leaving from Auckland, is by bus, specifically the InterCity Bus. The journey takes just over 4 hours to Paihia.
Paihia’s main beach is Paihia Beach. A great place to relax, sunbathe, snorkel, SUP, kayak or just swim and play in the waves. Plus, from Paihia Beach you can walk a cool trail that will pass by an amazing mural right next to the beach.
And if you are looking for something more private, we recommend visiting the secluded Te Ti Bay, a very interesting bay just 3 minutes from Paihia Beach, and the ideal place to swim, camp or go kayaking.
Paihia being the jewel of the Bay of Island, you couldn’t miss exploring these islands of Paihia, so take a day off and venture out to explore any of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Island. And while you’re exploring, don’t forget to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the sea or, if you can, enjoy some water activities like jet skiing.
Additionally, during the tour of the Bay of Islands you can encounter the lively marine fauna of the place, like dolphins, penguins, fox seals and much more.
Finally, you can’t miss the “Hole in the Rock”, an impressive rock eroded by wind, sea, rain and waves, forming a hole 18 metres deep in its centre. Come on, its name fits perfectly.
This is no ordinary place in the jewel of the Bay of Islands, it is here that the declaration of independence of Aotearoa New Zealand was signed in 1835, ending the conflict between the Maori and the British Empire, and defending this country from a possible French invasion. In short, it is a special place in New Zealand, located less than 2 minutes by car from Paihia.
At Waitangi Treaty Grounds you will discover a complex entirely dedicated to Maori culture. With the purchase of a single ticket, you can access the three different areas.
You can also enjoy the Maori Cultural Performance, a typical and very interesting performance to see. Finally, it is essential to stop by and see “The world’s largest ceremonial war canoe”, an example of the connection that the Maori population has with the sea.
Just 5 kilometres from Paihia, you can find the start of a route through native forest and mangroves that will take you to the beautiful Haruru Falls. These are especially famous for their horseshoe shape. You will surely be surprised by that curious shape, but also by the power of their waters, especially after a good rain.
Normally, we don’t usually include visits to churches and cathedrals, but this one is so cute that we couldn’t leave it out of this guide to Paihia. St Paul’s Anglican Church is located in the centre of Paihia. Built in 1925, it is one of the oldest buildings in the entire Bay of Islands region.
We are convinced that you will love its rich architecture, stained glass windows and central altar as much as we do. You can visit its interior when there is no mass.
We recommend you stay at Ala Moana Motel, located right in front of Paihia Beach, with parking included, and a kiosk where you can book tours and a barbecue. The hotel offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom, basic kitchen and television. It is a moderately priced option with an enviable location.
