Location: Paihia
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What to do and see in Paihia, North Island: The Best Cultural Tours
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. Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Cultural Maori War Canoe Guided Tour
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 10 reviews
Enjoy this memorable shore excursion from where your cruise ship tenders in Paihia. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to delve into the Northern Maori culture from the Ngapuhi confederation of tribes, New Zealand’s largest tribal nation by using the living landscapes and environment as the setting and natural backdrop for your tour. The best part of your 3 hour tour is done in a Waka taua (traditional Maori war canoe) built from a mixture of composite and traditional materials. You will also view a Marae (meeting ground), historical sites and learn the age old art of storytelling to share the traditions, customs and the compelling stories of the bygone era. The activities are both interactive and educational where you will learn the ceremonial chants and haka of the magnificent Waka taua while absorbing the breath-taking natural and stunning beauty of the Waitangi river tidal estuaries, its rain-forest and the cultural living landscapes.
Inclusions: Professional, local guide, Sightseeing Waka Tour
Exclusions: Bottled water
Reviewed By Gilby91
We had a group of 25 from a secondary school in Queenstown take part in the waka tour up the Waitangi River. Honi and Judy were amazing hosts with a fun, informative, and interactive experience (even adjusting our trip to cater to the weather). Would highly recommend! Kā mihi mō tō manaaki!
2. Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 242 reviews
Take an action-packed day trip from Paihia to the tip of New Zealand’s North Island on a guided tour of the north including Cape Reinga where the Pacific and Tasman seas collide. Your purpose built coach that offers free Wi-Fi will take you in comfort along 90 mile beach to Te Paki sand stream where you can try your hand at sand boarding one of the giant dunes. During the day you will also take in stops at Taipa Beach for morning Tea , Ancient Kauri Kingdom , dig for some shellfish on 90 mile beach conditions permitting. Join our passionate driver / guides for a unforgettable tour of the top of New Zealand & Discover the unique history, culture and landscape of New Zealand's Far North on a day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Inclusions: Coach tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, Sandboards provided, Lunch, Ancient Kauri Kingdom - award winning wood craft showroom, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Pickup from outside of Paihia or Kerikeri
Reviewed By Wayne M
enjoyable trip on a sunny day, great scenery. little disappointed the coffee shop wasn't open for the lunch break on the island but very handy being picked up from russell where we were staying.
3. Private Tour: Bay of Islands Day Trip from Auckland
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Head towards one of New Zealand’s favorite travel destinations – Bay Of Islands! Bay Of Islands is situated towards the Northern tip of the North Island. It is ranked as one of New Zealand's top destinations, with boat trips and water sports providing the best experience for your private tour. Enjoy experiences at Parry Kauri Park, Whangarei Falls, Haruru Falls, Waitangi Treaty Ground and more!
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Light refreshments and water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Entrance tickets, Cruise Tickets
Reviewed By K7293HPjosephh
Wonderful day trip to the glow worms and the Hobbit farm Driver was the best and took great care of us Long day but worth the expense of a private car
4. 3 Day Bay of Islands Winterless North Tour
At Haka Tours we believe that size does matter and that's why we only take a max of 16 guests at a time on our 22 seater Haka coach. You'll have a unique Haka Adventure with a passionate local Kiwi guide. This tour is great if you want a magical, yet quick escape to soak up the sun in beautiful Northland. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation with us in Auckland the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning. Likewise, you can book an extra night at the end of the tour so you are not in a rush once we go our separate ways.
Inclusions: 3 nights in high-end hostel accommodation – dorm share, upgrades available , Orientation tour of every location, Comfortable bus transport, Continental breakfast every day, Fish and chip dinner with spectacular Bay of Islands views, Marvel at the Hokianga Harbour and its giant sand dunes, Vist Tāne Mahuta – a giant kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest
Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner at your own expense
Reviewed By Elizabeth K
I booked a trip scheduled 2nd April, the company notified me that due Covid 19 pandemic the tour would be cancelled. I was offered options of a refund or get credits. I chose refund as I was not gonna get any other time which they concurred. After 2 weeks I was contacted by one rude Eva Lawrence who stayed that the business was not doing well due to the pandemic hence they would not refund back the money?! So is that how you treat your customers? Was it my fault that you cancelled the trip due to the pandemic??! I need a refund ASAP. [email protected] +61450753569
5. 3-Day Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua,Te Puia, Bay of Islands and Auckland Tour
This Tour encompassing 3 consecutive days enables you to maximize your time in the Upper North Island of New Zealand with this global multi award-winning Tour Company. It takes you to the 3 most famous and iconic attractions in New Zealand (Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Te Puia in Rotorua) plus also the idyllic Bay of Islands with the Dolphin Boat Tour to the “Hole in the Rock”, a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds plus also the most comprehensive Signature Full Day 8-Hour Tour of Auckland available.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Accommodation, Lunches
Reviewed By emilyz906
Auckland Scenic Tours was outstanding. I really appreciate their no cancellation policy as I was only there for a few days and had wanted to organise a trip to Hobbiton. David, my guide for the day was excellent. We definitely took the scenic route and I got to see some stunning scenery. Thank you for the great experience and I would definitely recommend them to family and friends wanting to explore Auckland and beyond.
6. Bay of Islands incl Hole in The Rock Cruise and Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Take one of New Zealand’s best 3-hour road trips to one of the most spectacular parts of New Zealand. Our route offers breathtakingly,ever-changing scenery from vast landscapes, rugged mountain ranges,rain forests, clear blue ocean seas, deep gorges and spectacular views of the outstanding natural beauty. Discover the stunning marine playground and scenic beauty during your 4-hour cruise of the pristine islands towards the Cape Brett Peninsula and its historic lighthouse and (conditions permitting) through the majestic Hole in the Rock. Marvel at the bluenose dolphins. Enjoy a 3-hour inspiring cultural experience at the birthplace of New Zealand,the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Enjoy an informative tour with your local Maori guide; a Maori cultural performance; explore the Treaty House and the Carved Meeting House. Watch live demonstrations in the Carving Studio Visit the Museum of Waitangi which holds a stunning collection of treasured objects that bring to life the history of Waitangi.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Knowledgeable local tour guide, Pick Up and Drop Off at all Downtown Auckland CBD Accommodation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By emilyz906
Auckland Scenic Tours was outstanding. I really appreciate their no cancellation policy as I was only there for a few days and had wanted to organise a trip to Hobbiton. David, my guide for the day was excellent. We definitely took the scenic route and I got to see some stunning scenery. Thank you for the great experience and I would definitely recommend them to family and friends wanting to explore Auckland and beyond.
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