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Visit Paihia

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About Paihia

Including tips for the best time to visit Paihia

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.

Tonight

From per night

Next weekend

From per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency NZD 10 = £4.77
Language English
Average weekend price £108 per night
Average weekday price £107 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Paihia

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Paihia

  • Haruru Falls

    3.5 miles from city centre

Paihia reviews

What other travellers say about Paihia

10

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.

Pauline
Pauline New Zealand
10

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.

Paul
Paul United States
10

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!

Sophie
Sophie Australia
10

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

Lynette
Lynette United Kingdom
10

Great town with friendly locals.

7 February 2024

Great town with friendly locals. All hospitality options covered, with a bar on a jetty that is very pleasant but always seemed short staffed. Easy walking town and a jetty to Russell with happy staff to greet you. Visited Pompallier House in Russell which is well worth the visit and again met with lovely friendly greeting and service.

Paul
Paul New Zealand
8.0

Walking distance to everything you need.

24 January 2024

Walking distance to everything you need. Swimming pool is lovely ,but don't forget to bring beach towels. No fresh towel service ,but has washing machine. The two bedrooms are lovely and bonus 2 bathrooms. Great place to stay, will stay again.

john
john New Zealand

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