Paihia Travel Guide

Explore Paihia

Paihia Wharf

Dine on fresh seafood in local restaurants, admire stunning oceanfront views and embark on cruises and fishing excursions from this pretty wharf.

Paihia Beach

Go on fishing charters, swim in the sea and browse shops and restaurants near Paihia’s main beach, the site of an annual swimming event that attracts competitors from around the country.

Russell Beach

Wander along the jetty for wonderful views of Kororareka Bay, get out on the water in a boat and enjoy alfresco dining along the beachfront.

Russell Museum

Learn about Russell’s Māori heritage and the history of European settlers through this vast collection of photographs, documents and other objects.

Russell Christ Church

This charming and peaceful 19th-century church is a prominent historical landmark, while the surrounding cemetery is a good spot for a stroll.

Haruru Falls

Walk along the banks of the scenic Waitangi River and admire this beautiful horseshoe-shaped waterfall. Continue on the trail to the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Flagstaff Hill

On this important hill, learn about New Zealand’s early Māori and colonial history, look for iconic birds and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

Stone Store

In New Zealand’s oldest building is a museum where you can get a glimpse of times gone by and find a unique souvenir in the heritage shop.

Makana Confections

See how delicious chocolate treats are made, sample the end result or purchase a selection for yourself or your loved ones at this boutique maker of fine chocolates.

Urupukapuka Island

Escape to this idyllic island with secluded bays to discover a traditional culture. Yep, Urupukapuka is just as exotic as its name suggests.

Cape Brett Lighthouse

Trek along a walking trail to reach this historic lighthouse, which promises exceptional coastal views and opportunities to spot native flora and wildlife.

Where to stay in Paihia

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

58 Seaview Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Russell Beach and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

The Waterfront Suites - Heritage Collection

100 Marsden Road

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Paihia, this beachfront aparthotel is in the city center and within a 5-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Russell Beach and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Sea Spray Suites - Heritage Collection

138 Marsden RoadBay of Islands, Bay of Islands

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Paihia aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Golf Club and Waitangi Treaty Grounds are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

104 Marsden Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Paihia hotel is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Breakwater Motel

1 Bayview Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Paihia motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Admiral's View Lodge

2 MacMurray Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this eco-friendly motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Russell Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Casa Bella Motel

3 MacMurray Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Base Bay of Islands - Hostel

18 Kings Rd

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Anchorage Motel

2 Marsden Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Paihia motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Dolphin Motel

69 Williams Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Blue Pacific Quality Apartments

166 Marsden RoadPaihia, Bay Of Islands, Paihia, Bay Of Islands

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this eco-friendly apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) away.

Cook's Lookout Motel

9 Causeway Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this motel is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Haruru Falls and within 3 mi (5 km) of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.

Things to do in Paihia

Cape Reinga Airplane Flight & Drive Half Day Tour

By Salt Air

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Take in the majestic landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island from both air and land where 2 scenic flights give you unforgettable bird’s-eye views of the

Duration: 4h 20m

Bay of Islands Cruise - The Cream Trip Route

By GreatSights

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Cruise through the Bay of Islands on the Cream Trip route, pioneered by Albert Fuller in the 1920s as he sailed to deliver mail and supplies to residents.

Duration: 7h

Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Flight - 20 minutes

By Salt Air

Admire a bird's-eye view of the picturesque Bay of Islands with great vistas over the 144 islands aboard a scenic helicopter flight. Take in the beautiful

Duration: 20m

Island Adventure Cliffs & Caves Cruise

By GreatSights

Discover one of New Zealand's most breathtaking sights during a cruise to glimpse the Bay of Islands—a watery region that's home to more than 140 islands.

Duration: 2h 30m

Historical Kerikeri Tour with Wine Tasting & Chocolate

By GreatSights

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Take a relaxed tour of Kerikeri, visit a chocolate factory, and sip local wines at a boutique vineyard. Learn about settlers in the 1800s as you explore some

Duration: 3h

Full-Day Cape Reinga Tour

By GreatSights

Recommended 82% by Travellers

Uncover the wild beauty of the vast and untouched region at the tip of the North Island—Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). As you travel north, enjoy a taste

Duration: 11h

Dune Rider Cape Reinga Tour

By Explore Group

Recommended 94% by Travellers

Discover Cape Reinga on a tour that combines sand dune crossings, Gumdiggers Park, and a delicious buffet lunch. Visit Ancient Kauri Kingdom's workshop, drive

Duration: 11h

Bay of Islands Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

By Salt Air

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Experience the Bay of Islands from both the air and sea. Soar through the sky via helicopter for a bird's-eye view of more than 144 islands, visit Roberton

Duration: 4h

Bay of Islands Half-Day Kayaking Tour

By Coastal Kayakers

Exploring the coastal waters of the stunning Bay of Islands. Paddle past idyllic, uninhabited islands, through crystal clear waters and see clusters of New

Duration: 3h

Bay of Islands Highlights and Wine Tasting Private Tour

By KERNHEM Private Tours

Add a special experience to your (cruising) holiday and see the Bay of Islands your way on this full-day, private sightseeing shore excursion tour of the

Duration: 6h

Bay of Islands Parasail- Triple flight

By Bay of Islands Parasail

Take to the air over the Bay of Islands with a tandem parasailing flight that gives you a bird's-eye view of the beautiful New Zealand coast. This experience

Duration: 1h 30m

Bay of Islands Parasail-Tandem flight

By Bay of Islands Parasail

Take to the air over the Bay of Islands with a tandem parasailing flight that gives you a bird's-eye view of the beautiful New Zealand coast. This experience

Duration: 1h 30m

Wotif's insider tips for Paihia

Cost:

More than $20

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

There is no better way to see the Bay of Islands than on a cruise and, if you're lucky, you get to swim with dolphins or at least snorkel in the clear waters of the bay. We only spotted the dolphins near the end of the trip and because there was a baby in the pod we didn't get to swim with them, but the crew went snorkelling with us instead, making it worth our while.

Barbara, 44. Brisbane, Australia

Learn more about Paihia

Paihia

Float around the Bay of Islands, hike or bike from forest to seashore or dive deep into New Zealand’s history on a visit to Paihia.

Explore Paihia

Urupukapuka Island

Where to stay in Paihia

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

The Waterfront Suites - Heritage Collection

Sea Spray Suites - Heritage Collection

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

Breakwater Motel

Admiral's View Lodge

Casa Bella Motel

Base Bay of Islands - Hostel

Anchorage Motel

Dolphin Motel

Blue Pacific Quality Apartments

Cook's Lookout Motel

Things to do in Paihia

Wotif's insider tips for Paihia

Cities near Paihia

Russell

Okiato

Kerikeri

Whangarei