Paihia Activities
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There are over 140 islands in the Bay of Islands and Paihia is the major departure point to take you to all the attractions and activities the Bay of islands has to offer. On land or sea it is all here from fishing charters and ferry transfers to scenic walks and historical tours. The waterfront town of Paihia has excellent shopping, cafes and restaurants while still retaining its historical significance. The Waitangi Treaty grounds are a short drive away and are well worth the visit. Wander about the perfectly manicured grounds on a guided tour to discover the Treaty house, Meeting house and Maori war canoe through the eyes of descendants of Maori chiefs. Travel to the nearby towns of Keri keri and Russell to taste home grown fruit and vegetables, wander through historical buildings and relax overlooking the water enjoying the tastes of the Bay of Islands.
Paihia has the best choice of places to stay in the Bay of Islands and offers a wide selection from backpackers to five star holiday homes. The hospitality is friendly and the whole town has a holiday atmosphere. Most attractions and activities are centred in and around the islands which are considered to be the seaside playground of the north. The fishing up here is best described as big. There are big Marlin, big Snapper and big catches from a variety of species that frequent these waters. Your catch will more than likely be filleted for you and the fishing environment can be best described as a scenic wonderland.
The list of Paihia tours is extensive. There are Jet Ski tours, guided kayak adventures and high speed catamaran cruises to take you to the best sights. The Bay of Islands specialises in Dolphin watching tours and also is one of the few areas in New Zealand you can swim with these magnificent creatures. There are two recommended cruises if you have a short amount of time. One is the high speed catamaran trip out to the hole in the rock and the other is the more leisurely Cream trip which follows the old trading route from the late 1800’s and takes you to secluded beaches and some of the most scenic spots in the Bay of islands. Make time to take the ferry from Paihia to Russell for lunch and enjoy the quaint village atmosphere and the Russell Museum which provides a unique insight to the history of this significant site. Find out more about Paihia attractions and activities by contacting our travel agents today.
