Things to do in Paihia

Activities, attractions and tours

Paihia featuring tranquil scenes, a bay or harbour and a sunset
Paihia
Paihia showing a river or creek
Paihia
Paihia featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a sunset

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Top places to visit

1. Bay of Islands

Visit the stunning Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island and enjoy the many water-based tours, from discovering uninhabited islands dotted around the cold, blue waters to watching dolphins leap around the boat. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the bay’s towns or retreat to the ancient native forests to be at one with nature.
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Russell featuring a bay or harbour and tranquil scenes

2. Paihia Beach

Enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking and many other outdoor activities at Paihia Town Beach. The main beach is lined with several cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Book a sea kayaking adventure or a big game fishing charter and set out into the sea.
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Paihia Beach which includes a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a sandy beach

3. Paihia Wharf

Paihia Wharf is the departure point for some of the best fishing charters and boat trips in the Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise up Waitangi River or go on a dolphin-watching tour. A passenger ferry to Russell, one of the first European settlements in New Zealand, also leaves from the wharf.
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Paihia Wharf showing a bay or harbour and a coastal town

4. Russell Beach

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.
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Russell Beach featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and a coastal town

5. Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls is steeped in Māori history and famous for its striking waterfall. Find great views of the falls and embark on a nature walk that leads through the nearby mangrove forest. Alternatively, approach the falls by kayak.
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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.

What to do in Paihia

Popular places to visit

Paihia Wharf showing a bay or harbour and a coastal town

Paihia Wharf

4.5/5(37 reviews)

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

Paihia Wharf

Opua Forest

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Opua Forest during your travels in Paihia. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Opua Forest

Makana Chocolate Boutique

Enjoy an outing to Makana Chocolate Boutique during your stay in Te Haumi. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Makana Chocolate Boutique

Action World

You can take time to visit Action World during your travels to Paihia. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Action World

St Paul’s Church

3/5(2 reviews)

Find out about the history of Paihia with a stop at St Paul’s Church. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

St Paul’s Church

 

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Haruru Falls featuring a river or creek, kayaking or canoeing and a cascade

Haruru