10 Things to do in Paihia That You Shouldn't Miss

June 3, 2021 Kaleigh Reichenbach

If you long to explore New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands, Paihia makes a wonderful base. Known as “the Jewel of the Bay Islands,” this seaside town has golden beaches, lovely coastal walking trails and waterfalls, and a colorful population of local birds. Paihia also holds an important role in the country’s history. It was here, after a century of conflict between indigenous Maori tribes and Western settlers, that peace was finally made and the groundbreaking Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Restaurants in Paihia

1. Skydive Bay of Islands

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5.0 based on 867 reviews

Skydive Bay of Islands

Blue skies, blue waters, golden sands and sunshine is what we’re all about. Oh, and we LOVE skydiving! The thrill, the buzz and the pure adrenaline rush is something we look forward to. Going skydiving in the Bay of Islands is an awesome way to experience all of that and more! Choose from our four skydive heights – 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 16,500 ft and of course, NZ's highest skydive at 20,000 ft! After jumping from a perfectly good plane, you’ll get a chance to soak up the scenery of all 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. The view is guaranteed to take your breath away, and the exhilarating free fall will have you buzzing long after your feet touch the ground! Skydiving in the Bay of Islands is truly an incredible experience.

2. Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands

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5.0 based on 396 reviews

Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands

Small, personalised tours in the Bay of Islands. Cruise among 144 islands as we show you the highlights of the bay. 20 guests maximum, we cruise from Paihia to Roberton Island and the landing sight of Captain James Cook, where we take a walk to the island lookout point - not to be missed! After the short walk, beachside morning tea is served - Hot Chocolate, Tea, Coffee and biscuits, before cruising further into the islands. Our second island stop is a remote beach with sheltered waters, the perfect location to try Paddleboarding and snorkelling, take a short walk and explore the island, while learning about our marine environment and surrounding wildlife. Don't miss the experience, on a small, personalised and locally owned tour - join us on an Island Getaway Cruise today!

3. Barefoot Sailing Adventures

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5.0 based on 341 reviews

Barefoot Sailing Adventures

Sailing is a great way to explore the Bay of Islands. Join us for an Island Hopper Day Cruise, enjoy a 2hr island stopover with snorkeling, paddle boarding, bush walks, beach picnics . Or take a Sundowner Evening Cruise (Dec-March) for an evening sail in the inner area of the Bay of Islands, take a refreshing dip, enjoy the scenery as the day is coming to an end. Our boat, Kopiko, is a modern 33ft catamaran, the boat sits flat while sailing (no leaning over) which offers a comfortable sailing experience for everyone! With bean bags for lounging, or cushioned bench seating for relaxing. Have a go at sailing, or simply kick back, and relax, enjoy a day in the Bay of Islands with the Barefoot Crew. Max 16 passengers.

4. Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals and Shuttles

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5.0 based on 652 reviews

Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals and Shuttles

Paihia Mountain Bikes is your one stop shop for everything for the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. We are based right onsite to these World Class Mountain Biking Trails, with a full bike hire service, shuttles uplift service, electric bikes and even a cafe! The Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is one of the best in New Zealand with almost 50km of professionally built trails catering from complete beginners to advanced riders, so something for everyone of all ages! Hire bikes include Full Suspension, Front Suspension, Kids bikes and even electric bikes!! Any questions, just let us know as we are happy to help.

5. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

1 Tau Henare Dr, Paihia New Zealand +64 9-402 7437 [email protected] http://www.waitangi.org.nz/
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4.5 based on 5,127 reviews

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of the place where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped. An absolute must-do for all visitors to New Zealand, the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a national treasure and tells our nation’s history of two peoples coming together under the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Enjoy an interactive full day experience in the two contemporary museums, powerful Māori cultural performances in the carved Māori Meeting House, insightful guided tours, lush native forest and gardens, art gallery and carving studio, traditional Māori waka (canoe), café and so much more, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands. Hāngi and concert evenings are scheduled during the summer months – an intimate cultural experience not to be missed. The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.

Reviewed By caitylouhall99

I really enjoyed my visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds last weekend, as it gave me so much new insight not only into local Māori culture and history, but also the importance of modern New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, and its ongoing significance today. I chose to do a “full package” at the Treaty Grounds, with a Day Pass to explore the beautiful grounds during opening hours followed by a Hāngī and Cultural Show at dusk. I first went on a guided tour of the grounds, which was a great introduction not only to the space but the historical lead-up to the drafting and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It was good that our guide didn’t shy away from some of the tough political questions asked about the Treaty or the ongoing controversies connected to it. I then visited the museum, which was beautifully presented and very well laid out. This was followed by the hāngī which, while obviously modified for tourists, was still an enjoyable introduction to an important part of Māori culture. The cultural show in the traditional meeting house was very moving and professionally presented by talented performers - it was an excellent, entertaining addition to an already very informative day (and I was particularly fascinated to learn that traditional Māori culture had always had a strong focus, even in song and dance, on the “realm of gardening”!).

6. Paihia Harbour

Paihia New Zealand
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4.5 based on 1,218 reviews

Paihia Harbour

Reviewed By johncherylh2016 - Hawera, New Zealand

Easy to walk around and take in all that happens around this little harbour. Rather busy, but still a relaxed place with lots of boats coming and going.Sometimes you can see the cruise ship's anchored of shore.

7. Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

The Wharf 101 Marsden Road, Paihia 0252 New Zealand +64 9-402 7345 http://www.northlandnz.com
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Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Reviewed By nickfreke - Worthing, United Kingdom

Went in to see about at a boat trip to take, and was helped by a very nice lady who gave me great advice after I told her what I wanted. She even recommended eateries in Paihia so we could take food with us on the trip!

8. Opua Forest Lookout Track

74 School Rd, Paihia 0200 New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/paihia-area/tracks/opua-forest-paihia-lookout-track/
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Opua Forest Lookout Track

Reviewed By moatiq - Whangarei, New Zealand

There are 2 walks in this area and you can easily get confused reading the reviews. The one I went for is the Paihia School Road track which is a shorter one. It takes about an hour and a bit from Paihia township up to the lookout and back, going at a steady medium pace. Access is from School Road and you can get to School road through the carpark behind Countdown on Williams Road. With kids and slow leisurely walks, it would be close to hour and half or so. The hike is reasonably easy with well looked after gravel type paths, stairs and walkways. A little way up the hike, the second walk veers off to the left and its the longer one to Opua. View from the lookout area is nice but not as impressive, with vegetation covering off most of it. Take water if its a hot day and good walking shoes. A pleasant way to spend an hour in Paihia during the day.

9. Urupukapuka Island

Paihia New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/urupukapuka-island-recreation-reserve/
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4.5 based on 152 reviews

Urupukapuka Island

Reviewed By annchand1 - Auckland, New Zealand

A beautiful island with many walking trails and gorgeous sandy / pebble beaches with crystal clear water. Recommend a visit if you have time whilst visiting the The Bay of Islands. We enjoyed our tour with Sea shuttles....wish we could have spent the whole day.

10. St Paul's Anglican Church

36 Williams Rd, Paihia 0200 New Zealand http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/3824
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4.5 based on 33 reviews

St Paul's Anglican Church

Reviewed By Scotsgirl7911 - Auckland, New Zealand

Beautiful historical church with lovely kept grounds. The beach is directly opposite and JFC restaurant right next door.

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