Paihia

Known as the Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is located on the far northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. Situated at a distance of 200 km north of Auckland, Paihia lies at the doorstep of a world of golden, sandy and pristine beaches. Considering the amount of boats and ferries that ply the trade from Paihia to the Bay of Islands, the town also offers a convenient rendezvous point for visitors. Paihia is also hugely famous for being the site of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The city is also only a hop and a skip away from the historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri. 

Paihia is also known to be a hub for accommodation and fine dining as well. One of the famous landmark attractions of Paihia is the ‘Hole in the Rock’ formation found at the crest of Cape Brett. These waters tend to be visited regularly by dolphins and visitors are welcome to swim with these dolphins provided that the animals are adequately respected and left alone. These experiences can be had in the form of guided sea kayak tours where a guide will lead you along in his kayak through the waters. 

Paihia’s significance as a site is not limited to the town’s proximity to the Bay of Islands. Paihia was also the site for the agreement of the Waitangi Treaty, the founding document of New Zealand. The historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri beckon from a short distance away. Russell is a hugely renowned town for the quality of sport fishing, and a large number of charter fishing trips can be taken from there. Located just to the west of Paihia are the Haruru Falls, a popular waterfall and river to go kayaking at.