Paihia is a beautiful town in the heart of the Bay of Islands. With a wealth of accommodation options, delicious restaurants and a host of other amenities, it's an ideal base for exploring the wider Bay of Islands region.

One of New Zealand's most scenic and popular holiday destinations, the Bay of Islands combines a great outdoor experience with wine and food tasting in some of the best vineyards in the Northland, and visits to some of New Zealand's most important historic sites.

The Bay of Islands provides an ideal location for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. A favourite tourist attraction usually involves boating or jogging, taking a boat trip can become essential to visit Paihaia. The harbour offers beautiful island-like habitats and many wildlife. It'd be great when you find something new on the Bay.

The best time to visit Paihia is in summer when the weather is warm and nice. This is the perfect time to explore the Bay of Islands, hit the water and enjoy nature.

This is also the busiest time of year to visit Paihia, so it's worth keeping in mind and booking in advance. Weekdays are also a great way to avoid the Aucklanders flocking to the Bay of Islands.

Basking in the beauty of picturesque Paihia Harbor

Paihia Harbor is well-known for its scenic views and delicious dining options that it offers. Various cruises to several islands in the Bay of Islands start from here. In addition, it also supports several aquatic sports activities including kayaking and paddleboarding. It's possible to take fishing trips to the harbour. While enjoying a spectacular view over the harbour crowded with yachts, you can also enjoy delicious seafood and chips in a cafe near the shoreline.

Explore Urupkapuka

Urupukapuka has the largest island in the island chain. You can reach this spot via boat or ferry trips, or via boat excursion. This island is home to various bird species as well as the doterel. The water around the island is clean and perfectly suitable for diving since the water-bed is covered in beautiful corals. The place offers a perfect setting to enjoy hiking and nature camping.

To get to Urupukapuka you need to take a boat. The ferry only takes about 40-minutes, you can also book a private excursion with Clic A Tour.

Go for a cruise to The Hole in the Rock

The Hole in the Rock is a truly impressive rock formation that has evolved over the years due to geological processes. Tours usually take you close to the cave and sometimes through it.

The Hole in the Rock or Piercy Island is a famous attraction in Bay of Islands Harbour. You'll need a boat to get here, so booking a scenic cruise might be the best option.

Most cave cruises include more stops, as well as some opportunities to see local wildlife, including dolphins.

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi, also known as the birthplace of the nation, is probably the New Zealand's most important historic site. The country's founding document (called the Waitangi Treaty) was the first treaty between Maori royalty and Great Britain, signed here in 1840.

The importance of Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi lies in its role in determining Maori rights and land tenure in New Zealand. Visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is an important activity for tourists and New Zealanders alike.

Here, you can stroll along one of the many trails that lead to the extensive wooded park with incredible views.

To gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture, visit the museum, which provides insight into the treaty and its meaning, as well as educational exhibits on Māori culture and New Zealand history. Enjoy the cultural show at the end of the tour.

If you want to know more about the local cultural and historical background, you should try a tour guide as the tour guide is always knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Walking on the boardwalk to Haruru Falls

From Waitangi Treaty Grounds, you can walk through the mangroves to Haruru waterfall. This wide and powerful waterfall is where the Waitangi river flows into a lagoon The spot can be easily driven to with a short, 5-minute walk through a park.

As one of the first rivers in New Zealand today, Haruru falls are becoming an important tourist destination especially when rain hits. They are able to offer sweeping views over the massive water that flows through the droplets.

Another good option is to rent a kayak or go on a kayak tour and get into the river yourself (downstream, of course) to see the waterfall from the water.

Haruru Falls is popular with landscape photographers, and while we feel that the essence of the Bay of Islands lies in the ocean, this waterfall is truly impressive.

Russell Attractions

A trip to Russell is a must. This rustic town is an important part of New Zealand's history. It was New Zealand's first seaport, first European settlement and first capital. The city still retains its original layout to this day, and many historic buildings still exist and are open to tourists.

Plus, Russell is a stunning seaside town full of great cafes, restaurants, bars and attractions. This makes the town a good base for exploring the area, although we prefer Paihia.

Paying respects to Tane Mahuta kauri tree at Waipoua Forest, Hokianga

Nature enthusiasts are able to go on a day trip to the Hokiangi Waipoua Forest that is 1.2 hours from Paihia. The popular Kauri forest in New Zealand contains many big Kauri trees with colorful Fern plants. Tanya Mahuta is one of New Zealand's best-known kauri trees. The trees are about 2000 years old and are viewed as the Lord of Wailoua Forest. For an unforgettable experience you can hire a Maori local guide for a hike in the forests in the evening.

Engaging in water activities

Paihia is renowned as a diving destination. It allows you to see colorful underwater environments as well as swimming on the sea. There are also several diving schools which offer specialized training. The guides have also shared with you an extensive knowledge of the marine ecosystem around the island's Bay. Many challenging dives will appeal to experienced divers, including Rainbow Warriors dives and cave diving. The diving centers have many trips to offer.