PAIHIA HOLIDAY GUIDE
Welcome to Paihia and the Bay of Islands
Paihia is a small seaside town about 240km north of Auckland. It is located on a sheltered
inlet in the heart of the Bay of Islands, protected from the Pacific Ocean by the Russell
peninsula. The region includes the town of Paihia and its suburbs of Te Haumi and Opua to
the south and Waitangi, Haruru Falls and Watea to the north. The historic town of Russell
is 3km across the bay. The region is in the beautiful sub-tropical Far North of New
Zealand. Paihia is the main tourist centre in the Bay, offering a wide variety of
accommodation options for visitors. It is the departure point for the world famous sea
trips around the Bay of Islands Maritime Park and coach trips to Cape Reinga, the
northernmost tip of New Zealand, Ninety-Mile Beach and the ancient Kauri Forests..
Paihia wharf is the departure point for a number of fishing charter boats which provide access to one of the best game
and recreational fishing areas in the world.
The Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands Maritime Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations for local and overseas visitors. With 144 magic islands to explore, the balmy climate, unspoiled beaches and magnificent sub-tropical forests are
complimented by the friendliness of the people.
The sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands are a haven for yachts
from around the world, The seas abound with kingfish, marlin and snapper, while whales and
dolphins are regular visitors
This was the
cradle of Maori and European settlement in New Zealand and has many sites of historical
significance.
Paihia Wharf
History
About eight hundred years ago, the great Maori
navigator, Kupe, discovered the land of New Zealand which he named "Aotearoa" -
land of the Long White Cloud. In the centuries that followed, there were successive waves
of Maori settlement in New Zealand, many of them landing in the Bay of Islands.
The first European known to visit New Zealand was Abel Tasman in 1642. Over a
century later, in 1769, Lieutenant James Cook in his ship "The Endeavor" entered
the Bay of Islands and charted part of the coast.
The Bay become known as a safe harbour where sailing ships could refit and replenish their
supplies of food and water by trading with the local Maori. Russell became the main
centre for whaling ships and as deserters and escaped convicts settled in the area and
founded grog shops and trading posts, it gained the reputation as "The Hellhole of
the Pacific". Paihia, on the opposite side of the bay from Russell, became the
main missionary settlement where the first Maori Bible was printed.
The great Waitangi waka
In 1840, A treaty was signed between the northern Maori chiefs and the British at Waitangi, where the governorship of the country was ceded to Queen Victoria, in exchange for guarantees of Maori rights to their lands, fisheries and forests.
Getting There
Regional airlines have flights from most of the main centres in New Zealand to Kerikeri airport which is about 20 minutes by car or shuttle van from Paihia.
Rental Cars are the most popular choice of transport for overseas visitors All the major operators are represented at New Zealand airports and the friendly staff will supply roadmaps, driving guides and helpful advice to their customers. It is essential to pre-book rentals in the summer season!
There is a motorway from Auckland to Orewa and from there you follow State Highway One through Whangarei to Kawakawa before detouring along Route 11 to the Bay of Islands. The entire Northland tourist routes have been clearly signposted with distinctive "Twin Coast Discovery Highway" signs as part of a major tourism promotion effort by Destination Northland, our regional tourism authority.
Free Listings
If you operate a tourism related businesses in Paihia or surrounding districts, you can add your website link to the Paihia Holiday Guide at no charge!
Our Neighboars
Paihia is the main tourism and accommodation centre in the Bay and is the
departure point for many of the tours and excursions.
Waitangi and Russell
Waitangi is the most important site in modern New Zealand history. The Treaty of Waitangi between the Maori chieftens and the European settlers that led to the formation of New Zealand as a British dominion was signed on this spot. There is a museum and cultural centre in the Treaty Grounds and visitors can watch a re-enactment of the sighning of the Treaty.Russell Once a rowdy trading port but now famous for its elegant buildings, fine restaurants and art and crafts. Long Beach, on the ocean side of Russell, is one of the area's best swimming beaches.
Opua The northernmost customs entry point for yachts and sailing ships in New Zealand. A large marina with boat repair facilities.
Kawakawa Small country town famous for its historic steam train and the most photographed toilet in New Zealand designed by Austrian artist Hundertwasser.
Kerikeri Voted New Zealand's "Best Small Town" this is the citrus fruit centre of New Zealand, It has two wineries and some excellent restaurants.