Hotels in Paihia

A great springboard for the North tip of New Zealand. Plenty of bus tours and sea trips to have amazing experiences. Lots of energetic and exciting activities for those into such things. At the end of January the temperatures were 26 -29 degrees. We took a bus tour to Cape Reinga where the spirits of the Maori dead leave this world and where the Tasman sea and the Pacific ocean meet. We returned via great sand dunes where sand surfing was encouraged and boards provided after which the bus drove along 90 mile beach. A not to be missed tour if you visit Paihia. Also worthwhile taking a dolphin watching boat trip to the hole in the rock. We really did see dolphins along with stunning scenery. Waitangi Treaty Grounds also worth a visit.

We loved the water, staying near Haruru falls at Falls hotel and waterfront campground- was great for kayaking around there, the beaches were lovely, loved our half day trip out to hole in the rock with Explore and saw dolphins, went parasailing with Flying Kiwi - our 6yr old and us all loved it!! Food was great at Alfresco, Sauce and Jimmy Jacks rib shack. Plenty to do around here, beautiful location, went to Kerikeri too a lovely town with another waterfall Rainbow falls there and a chocolate factory and fudge shop and had lovely massages at Pure day spa. And a stop on way out at the Rusty Tractor café- great food, awesome outside area for children! We had a great time in Paihia, would love to head back again one day.

Great half a day boat cruise to hole in the rock and full day tour to Cape reigna. Both booked with 'explore' and if you book 2 you get a discount! The hole in the rock was my favourite, saw a large pod of dolphins, the scenery was stunning, good weather so went through the hole in the rock and was dropped off in one of the bay's for a delicious bbq lunch before being picked up and taken bk. 'Explore' also offered to drop you off in Russell and give you a complimentary ferry pass back to Paihia. Cape Reginawe WA pretty, sand boarding down the dunes look like a lot of fun-did not participate due to injury. I recommend the fish and chips for dinner too-you have to pay extra- $8. Visited were treaty was signed and walked to hururu falls. This is a 10-12k round walk- just FYI. If you have a car you can drive to falls in mins for paihia town centre! Saw some people kayaking to falls which looked like a lot of fun. Quite a few restaurants and bars. Friendly people.

Paihia is a small town on the north east coast of New Zealand overlooking the Bay of Islands. It is well positioned for all sorts of sports such as kayaking, paragliding, snorkelling, hiking. It is also well positioned for sightseeing, for example boats run every 30 mins to Russell, buses go daily to Nintey Mile Beach and other sights. You can also go sailing and dolphin-watching and there are also opportunities to swim with dolphins. It is a very small town, easy to get around on foot with a good variety of essential facilities (pharmacy, post shop, banks etc) and souvenir shops. There are a good range of bars and restaurants. 35 Degrees South is a lovely bar with comfy sofas on which to while away the hours in the shade with a cool drink.

Stunning scenery and some beautiful beaches. We ate and jacks ribs which was ok, coming from UK being surved frozen chips with a pricey meal does not satisfy. Also ate at the bars in the waterfront which we're very pricey, meals were served beautiful but we should have checked menu before being seated. Took a few takeouts from some of the restaurants on the front and they we're OK also but again everywhere we went were serving frozen chips but I have been told by my daughter who lives in NZ this is the usual for everywhere. We were located central so getting around the small town was easy but recommend car for travelling to alternative beaches and sight seeing. Tours were available but we prefer to see sights on own. I would avoid Frozen chips on my next visit!

A perfect location to relax or be entertained as needs require. Beautiful beach with plenty of space for all and adequate permanent seating and picnic tables. Ferry to Russell quick and a must. Duke of Marlborough a little expensive but extremely good quality and ideal for special occasion. Great place to watch the sun go down. Hole on the Rock trip very scenic and worthwhile and for golfers, the Waitangi Golf Course is a must. The scenery is beautiful and layout of course a good work out.