Paihia is located on the western coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and a place where you’ll find history in spades. Known as the 'Birthplace of the Nation', the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the historic agreement was signed between the indigenous Māori people and the British Crown, leading to New Zealand’s independence. Today, you can visit the site and discover the country’s history and Māori culture through interactive museums, cultural performances, a traditional carving studio and the world’s largest ceremonial canoe.
The horseshoe-shaped Haruru Falls span the Waitangi River and are located about five kilometres from Paihia. You can drive to the scenic spot, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can kayak right up to the falls or hike along a walkway through mangrove forests. You can also opt for a picturesque walk through the Opua Forest, amidst native kauri trees and colourful birds, up to a lookout where you’ll be rewarded with superb views of the coast and the islands.
Fondly called the ‘Jewel of the Bay of Islands’, Paihia offers easy access to the 144 islands of the natural harbour. Here, you can go snorkelling, scuba diving or swimming with dolphins to explore marine life underwater. If you’d rather stay dry, the golden sands of Paihia Beach are a great spot to soak up the sunshine. You can also go on a cruise through the spectacular Hole in the Rock formation and take in panoramic views of the sea.
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| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | NZD 10 = £4.84 |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | £90 per night |
| Average weekday price | £94 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Haruru Falls
3.5 miles from city centre
We went to Paihia as this was close to the Marae we intended...
5 June 2024
We went to Paihia as this was close to the Marae we intended to visit on this occasion. There were limited decent food options- however the glasshouse had exception food and service, was very impressed by this. No where else was good food, but almost everywhere was crazy overpriced for what they offered. There was limited things to do, due to it being winter and bitterly cold. This was fine as we went with a purpose which was not sightseeing. But the ferry trip to russel was nice and we killed a few hours over there also
Paihia is a lovely little town that appreciates the towns...
26 May 2024
Paihia is a lovely little town that appreciates the towns surroundings beachfront along the main road with the many restaurants and cafes that provide beautiful created food for any occasion. I highly recommend to come and visit Paihia yourself.🥰🥰🥰
Great to take the hole in the rock boat trip.
28 April 2024
Great to take the hole in the rock boat trip. Very convenient to catch the boat and hope over to Russell for a day trip. Lovely meal and walk at the wineyard in Russell. Lovely time to visit Pahia when it is sunny. Beautiful to spend 4 to 7 days chilling with the perfect sunset and sunrise. The indian restaurant along the beach at pahia is very authentic. Highly recommend pahia roadtrip.
Paihia is a very good place to stay if you want to explore...
23 April 2024
Paihia is a very good place to stay if you want to explore Northland. If you are driving, you can go on your own to the tip of the North Island in about 3 hours. You can drive over to the Kauri Forest on the west side in about 1.5 hours. You can get tours out of Paihia for the Bay of Islands, the Ninety Mile Beach/Cape Reinga, Waitangi Treaty Grounds (you can walk there, about 3 km), rent kayaks or paddle boards, get fishing charters, take a ferry to Russell (or drive there). We spent 5 nights there and could have stayed a few more days and done even more.
Paihia is such a beautiful part of New Zealand!
22 April 2024
Paihia is such a beautiful part of New Zealand! As the gateway to the Bay of Islands, there is so much to see and do here. There are some incredible restaurants to eat at and my husband highly recommends the Waitangi Golf Club just 5 minutes from Paihia. Definitely add the Bay of Islands to your list of places to visit in the North Island of NZ!
Slightly out of town which we prefer
23 February 2024
Slightly out of town which we prefer Motel was perfect and made our stay in the area Loved the Treaty ground, so interesting Got the car ferry to Russell and walked up to flagstaff hill Beautiful beach on the other side of the hill
Paihia, New Zealand
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Paihia, New Zealand
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