PAIHIA HOLIDAY GUIDE

7 Must Do Paihia Activities

1. The Hole in the Rock is large natural rock arch located on Piercy Island in the outer Bay of Islands. Over thousands of years, the limestone in the centre of the rock has been eroded, leaving a wide tunnel that can be navigated by tourist boats. Local legend has it that once you pass through the Hole in the Rock, you will return th the Bay of Islands. Tours leave daily from Paihia and Russell


2. Visit Cape Reinga in the northern tip of New Zealand overlooks the divide between the vivid green Tasman Sea and the blue Pacific Ocean. In stormy weather, the collision of the two seas can be traced by crashing waves extending into the distance. Cape Reinga is considered to be a sacred place by Maori who believe that the spirits of the deceased depart from this point and bid a final farewell to Aotearoa before returning to their ancestral lands.


3. Day Trip to Russell A quiet picturesque town across the bay from Paihia with many art and craft shops and some excellent restaurants and cafes. Climb Flagstaff Hill for dramatic views over the bay, or book a window seat for dinner in one of the many restaurants on The Strand and enjoy a glorius sunset over Paihia. If you are driving, look out for Oyster Farms selling fresh local produce in coolpacks or venture to the far side of the island which has some excellent beaches reputed to be frequented by naturists (or maybe backpackers). Passenger ferries leave Paihia wharf and a vehicle barge sails from from Opua throughout the day.


4. Enjoy New Zealand's Best Fish and Chips at Monganui Wharf. Your choice of freshly caught fish is cooked and served in a paper parcel.


5. Waitangi Treaty Grounds were gifted to the nation in trust by Lord Bledisloe, a former Governor General of New Zealand and are often referred to as the birthplace of New Zealand. The grounds include the Treaty House where the original Treaty was signed, a Māori meeting house with carvings by the local Ngapuhi tribe and the historic 130 person Maori canoe (waka) which is still used for ceremonial occasions. The grounds also feature live cultural performances most evenings.


6. Swim with Dophins The bay is frequented by several species of dolphins, whales, seals and penguins. There are a number of operators who are licensed to offer dolphin swimming experiences.
7. Bush Walk from Haruru Falls to Waitangi The track starts from the car parking area just above Haruru Falls. The 6km, 2.5 hour walk along the banks of the Waitangi river includes both bush tracks where treckers often encounter a variety of birdlife, and a board walk through mangroves. The track can be slippery in places after heavy rain. There is an excellent cafe/restaurant in the Treaty grounds to provide refreshment for the return journey.

Bay of Island Cruises

Fullers GreatSights offers Bay of Islands cruises including Cream Trip, Hole in the Rock, Dolhin Eco Experience and Northland’s iconic Tall Ship the R Tucker Thomson. Paihia Wharf, Marsden Road, Paihia - 0800 653 339

Coach Tours

Fullers GreatSights offers Bay of Islands guided coach tours to Cape Reinga, Russell, Kerikeri and the Hokianga - including the mighty Tane Mahuta (the Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world. Paihia Wharf, Marsden Road, Paihia - 0800 653 339

Cultural

Diving

Fishing

Golf

Sailing

bayofislandssailing.co FlatChat sailing Kick back and enjoy sailing in the beautiful Bay of Islands, on board FlatChat New Zealands fastest commercial sailing catamaran. Paihia Wharf - 0800-352824

Sail Te Kaihau She is amazingly graceful on the water and presents with an expansive deck and cockpit space. Also offer exhilarating, comfortable sailing or tranquil easy cruising. Very soft on fair weather sailors with comfort and security assured. Paihia - (09) 402 6236

Scenic Flights